PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant celosia in Memphis, Tennessee

March 19 – April 2

Transplant outdoors · typical Memphis year

Climate basis: NOAA station W Memphis, AR (USC00037712), 7 mi (12 km) from downtown Memphis (ZCTA 38103 centroid), elevation 215 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Transplant celosia outdoors from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (March 19). One year in ten still freezes after April 7.

Last spring freezeMarch 191-in-10 after Apr 7
First fall freezeNovember 101-in-10 before Oct 28
Frost-free season≈ 235 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 7 – Nov 22kills even hardy greens
USDA zone8a10 to 15°F winter low — not frost timing

The Memphis year

Start seeds indoorsFeb 19 – Mar 5
Transplant outdoorsMar 19 – Apr 2
Direct-sow outdoorsMar 19 – Apr 2
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 7
Celosia in Memphis · freeze context from W Memphis, AR, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Feb 19 – Mar 5

University of Maryland's celosia production guide states seed is sown 4 weeks before the last frost date, which is the only frost-anchored figure found (Minnesota's 10-weeks guidance is anchored to the outdoor planting date, not to frost, so it cannot be used), giving a two-week sowing span opening 4 weeks before the median last freeze. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Mar 19). University of Maryland Extension · University of Minnesota Extension · University of Illinois Extension

Transplant outdoors

Mar 19 – Apr 2

University of Maryland says to sow or transplant celosia in the field after the danger of frost has passed, so the window opens at the median last freeze; note Maryland's stricter companion rule of night temperatures consistently above 65 to 70 degrees F is not frost-anchored and cannot be expressed here, so the window's opening day is optimistic in cool-summer areas. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Mar 19). University of Maryland Extension · University of Minnesota Extension · University of Illinois Extension

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 19 – Apr 2

The same University of Maryland sentence covers direct sowing — sow or transplant celosia in the field after the danger of frost has passed — so direct sowing opens at the median last freeze, with Illinois independently classing celosia a tender annual. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Mar 19). University of Maryland Extension · University of Minnesota Extension · University of Illinois Extension

Variety assumption: Assumes Celosia argentea in its crested (cockscomb) and plumed forms; Maryland warns that exposure below 60 degrees F stunts plants and triggers premature flowering, so the frost-anchored window opens earlier than the temperature at which celosia actually thrives.

These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.

This week, not a typical year:
Crop rule sources (3)

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