Celosia is an annual flower whose silky blooms get attention wherever they grow with a wide
choice of appearance, size, and color.
Description: Celosia offers large flower clusters on top of green or reddish leaves. Colors include
yellow, gold, red, pink, orange, and wine. Velvety crested types (cockscomb) are rippled,
whereas others are shaped like plumes or spikes. Heights range from 6 to 36 inches; flower size
is not determined by height.
How to grow: Grow in rich to average well-drained soil in full sun. Space 6 to 24 inches apart.
Outdoors, sow seeds or set out plants during warm weather, after the danger of frost has passed.
Propagation: Start celosia seeds indoors six to eight weeks before outdoor planting time. Seeds
germinate in ten days at 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Uses: Use dwarf types in containers and as edgings. Mass tall types in borders or grow them in
garden rows for use as cut or dried flowers. To dry, pick before flowers open fully and hang
upside down in a cool, dark place.
Related varieties: Amigo Mix has huge crests on dwarf plants. Bombay Pink is a rippled pink
and white marvel. Century Fire has big red plumes on 20-inch plants and blooms early.
Scientific name: Celosia argentea
©2006 Publications International, Ltd.
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