How to Grow and Care for Celosia Flowers

Annual,Celosia Cristata

Celosia are noted for their brilliant "rooster comb" plumes. Celosia makes a very showy, unusual display in borders and as edging. While the brilliant reds are by far the most popular color, Celosia, or Cockscomb, also come in yellow, orange, crimson, rose, and purple flowers.

Celosia are wonderful for bouquets, fresh or dried. To dry these flowers, hang them upside down in a cool dark, and dry place, for about two months.

Other Names: Celosia are also called Cockscomb and Woolflowers.

Plant Height: up to 30"

---

Plant Propagation:

Celosia are grown from very fine seeds. They can be directly seeded into your flower garden or seeded indoors for transplanting later. If planting outdoors, sow Celosia seeds after the soil has begun to warm in the spring. We recommend starting them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date for your area. Seeds need to stay moist, and require warm soil to germinate.

Sow seeds early in the season and cover lightly with 1/8" of fine soil. Water thoroughly and keep soil moist.

Days to Germination: 10-15

---

How to Grow Celosia Plants:

Celosia plants like full sun. They need rich soil with lots of compost to produce big, brilliant plumes.The soil needs to be moist, not wet.Water them during dry periods regularly. Soil should drain well. Add a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a month.

Space small varieties about 18" apart and larger varieties 18"-24" apart.

Smaller varieties will grow 10"-12". Larger types will grow up to two feet.

Flowers Bloom: Summer/Fall

Tip: To produce more plumes, pinch back the first one. While you may be anxious for those first bright blooms, this will promote more branching and reward you later.

---

Insect and Disease:

Celosia are somewhat resistant to insects and disease. Occasionally, aphids enjoy the leaves and stem. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.

---