Seeds 7 g

Crested cockscomb (Celosia argentea var. cristata) is one of the most striking flowers you can grow from seed. Its blooms form dense, velvety, brain-like combs in glowing shades of crimson, orange, magenta, pink and gold, sitting boldly above upright foliage. A warm-season annual in the Amaranthaceae family, it thrives in summer heat and brings architectural drama to beds, borders and containers. The firm, long-lasting heads are a favourite for both fresh cut bouquets and dried everlasting arrangements that hold their colour for months.

Planting

Sow indoors in plug or cell trays about 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost, transplanting out once all danger of frost has passed. Light aids germination, so press seed onto the surface and barely cover it, around 0.5 cm. Keep the media at roughly 21-27 C and seedlings emerge in about 8 to 14 days. Space plants 15-30 cm apart and give them full sun, ideally 8 or more hours daily.

Fertilizing

Work a balanced fertilizer with roughly equal nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium into rich, well-drained soil at planting, keeping the pH near 6.0-7.0. Once established, feed monthly with a blend higher in phosphorus than nitrogen to fuel abundant new blooms.

Care

Water only when the top 2.5-5 cm of soil dries; the plant resents waterlogging and overwatering invites root rot. When seedlings reach 15-30 cm, pinch the growing tip to boost branching. Watch for aphids and thrips, and deadhead spent combs to keep flowers coming.