This showy annual adds striking colors to gardens and cut flower arrangements.
Few flowers are as showy as celosias.
The blooms are somewhat stiff and waxy, making them agreat option for bouquets.
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The abundant, colorful flowers last for a long time.
Celosia leaves are generally light green with a colored mid-rib that matches the bloom on the plant.
Some varieties have attractive burgundy foliage that deepens in color when exposed to full summer sun.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
The stems of the plant also reflect the color of the bloom, creating a striking effect.
They are low-maintenance annuals in most areas and tender perennials inUSDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11.
Plant established seedlings in alocation with full sunand well-drained, organically rich, slightly acidic soil.
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Celosias do better in garden beds than in pots.
Plant them in a border where you want a spiky note of color amid more mounding plants.
They look best when planted in groups of three to five rather than as individual specimens.
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How and When to Plant Celosia
Dont be in a hurry to plant celosias in the spring.
Wait until there is no longer any danger of frost.
Dig a hole twice the diameter of the nursery pot and about the same depth.
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Gently tamp down the soil.
Water deeply after planting,
Space the plants 6 to 12 inches apart, depending on the variety.
ensure you choose celosia varieties that are size-appropriate for your space.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Large coral-like cockscomb varieties have big, heavy blooms that require staking.
Soil with apH of 66.5and high organic content is ideal.
Temperature and Humidity
Celosia plants love the heat and die when temperatures drop into the 40s.
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They prefer high humidity of up to 90 percent.
Fertilizer
Apply ageneral-purpose fertilizerat planting time.
After planting, apply ahigh-phosphorus fertilizermonthly, following the directions on the package.
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Pruning
The plant holds onto the blooms until they have dried.
To keep the plants looking attractive and fresh, remove any dried blooms.
Pests and Problems
Overall, celosias are resilient plants with few problems.
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Pests to watch out for includeaphidsand spider mites.
The latter are especially a problem in hot, dry weather.
Be gentle when handling the plants, as the stems are prone to breakage.
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How to Propagate Celosia
Celosia is easy to grow from seed.
Plant the seeds 14 inch deep in pots filled with soilless seed-starting mix.
Keep the seed and media moist at all times.
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At 75F to 80F, germination will take seven to 10 days.
Place the seedlings in bright direct light orunder grow lightsto prevent them from growing spindly.
Before collecting the seeds from a celosia plant, see to it it is an open-pollinated variety.
This information is usually found in the seed catalog or on the seed package.
If you want a specific hybrid variety, buy fresh seeds from a seed company.
Plumed Celosia
Celosia argenteavar.plumosa, also known as feather celosia, has broader-based flowers thanCelosia spicatatypes.
These blooms look like little flames perched atop the plants.
Fresh Look Yellow Celosia
CelosiaFresh Look Yellow grows about 20 inches tall and bears abundant plume-typeyellow flowers.
Fresh Look Red Celosia
CelosiaFresh Look Red is an award-winning selection with plumes of rosy-red flowers.
It grows 18 inches tall.
New Look Celosia
CelosiaNew Look bears red plumes and beautiful purple-tinged foliage.
It grows 14 inches tall.
It grows 6 inches tall and wide.
Its the perfect annual for adding bright color to hot, sunny spaces.
This tough plant blooms all summer long.
While all varieties are beautiful, keep an eye out for the sweetly scented selections.
African Marigold
Theres nothing subtle about anAfrican marigold.
Its a big, flamboyant punch of color for the sunny bed, border, or large container.
Most are yellow, orange, or cream.
The mounded dark green foliage is always clean, fresh, and tidy.
Grow them in a warm, sunny spot with moist, well-drained soil all summer.
Nasturtiums are available in either spreading or climbing types.
Plant spreading types in large containers to spill over the sides.
They are also greatadditions to a rock gardenor planted between paving stones.Train climbing types on trellisesor alongside fences.
Celosias are annuals in most Zones and live only a single season before dying in winter.
Celosias do not make good houseplants.
Celosia blooms are not well-known for their scent.
Some celosias have a mild, sweet fragrance, but many celosias have no scent at all.
