Celosia Flowers

Celosia Flowers (Celosia argentea var. cristata), the classic crested cockscomb, form dense, velvety crests that fold and ripple like coral or a rooster's comb. In vivid reds, oranges and golds, these sculptural heads bring bold texture to summer borders and are prized as cut and dried flowers, holding their shape and colour for a remarkably long time.

Planting

This frost-tender warm-season annual loves heat. Sow indoors in plug or cell trays 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, then transplant out once all danger of frost has passed. Light aids germination, so cover the seed very lightly (about 0.5 cm) rather than burying it. At a media temperature of around 21-27 C, seedlings emerge in roughly 8 to 14 days. Grow in full sun, ideally 8+ hours daily, in well-drained, fertile, organic-rich soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Space transplants about 15-30 cm apart by type.

Fertilizing

At planting, work a balanced general-purpose fertilizer with roughly equal nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium into the soil. Once plants are established, feed monthly with a fertilizer higher in phosphorus than nitrogen to encourage abundant new blooms.

Care

Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged, watering only when the top 2.5-5 cm is dry, as overwatering invites root rot. When plants reach 15-30 cm tall, pinch out the growing tip for bushier growth and more uniform stems. Watch for aphids and thrips; deadhead spent blooms to keep flowers coming. Plants mature in about 90 to 120 days.