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When to Plant Celosia in Fairbanks, Alaska (99708)

Location

Fairbanks, Alaska

ZIP Code

99708

USDA Zone

2a

Last Frost

Monday, June 1, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Monday, April 20, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Monday, June 8, 2026

Based on last frost Monday, June 1, 2026 · Zone 2a

Pro tip: Start Celosia seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Monday, June 8, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Celosia argentea
Days to Maturity 75 days
Mature Height 12-36"
Spread 9"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Moderate (1 inch/week)

↔️

Spacing

9" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.125" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 10-14 days

Ready to Plant Celosia in Fairbanks?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Monday, April 20, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

MarigoldZinniaBasil
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Celosia

See which plants help Celosia thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow plume or cockscomb heads to dry fully on the plant until fluffy or papery.

Processing

Rub dried heads gently between hands over a bowl to release tiny seeds. Dry 1 week.

Seed Viability

Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Celosia self-sows readily in warm climates. Seeds are tiny — store in small labeled packets.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 56 plants of Celosia. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Celosia in Fairbanks, Alaska? +

In Fairbanks (Zone 2a), start Celosia seeds indoors around Monday, April 20, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Monday, June 8, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Fairbanks, Alaska? +

The average last spring frost date for Fairbanks, Alaska (ZIP 99708) is around Monday, June 1, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 2a.

How long does Celosia take to grow? +

Celosia typically matures in about 75 days from transplanting. In Fairbanks, that means you can expect harvest around Monday, June 8, 2026 plus 75 days.

Should I start Celosia indoors or direct sow in Alaska? +

Celosia should be started indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. In Fairbanks, that means starting around Monday, April 20, 2026.

Other Plants for Fairbanks

Growing Celosia in Zone 2a

Celosia (Celosia argentea) is a popular garden vegetable. In Fairbanks, Alaska, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a, you should start seeds indoors around Monday, April 20, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Monday, June 1, 2026. Plan to transplant your Celosia seedlings outdoors around Monday, June 8, 2026, about 1 weeks after your last frost date.