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Celosia

Celosia argentea

Category: Flowers

Celosia adds long-lasting, textural interest to arrangements, whether the crested (cockscomb or 'brains') or plumed variety. Horizontal netting is recommended for taller varieties. Shorter varieties lend vibrant color and texture to borders and containers. Most celosias are well known for vibrant yellows, orange, persimmon, copper, and reds, but newer varieties have softer pinks, white, and bronze shades. Celosia is a favorite in children's or sensory gardens.

How to Grow Celosia

Quick Info

Spacing
4/Square
Water
1 in/week
Season
Warm
Frost
Not tolerant
Height
1-3 ft
Germination
8-14 days
Germination Temp
70-80 °F
Sprout to Harvest
90-120 days
Soil pH

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Varieties

Asian Garden
Asian Garden Award-winning magenta celosia from Japan. Pollinator magnet, great for cutting, garden design, mixed planters, and more.
Autumn Glow Mix
Autumn Glow Mix A remarkable celosia selection cultivated in Japan with vibrant hues, displaying up to three colors in a single bloom.
Burning Embers
Burning Embers This annual offers unique bronze foliage with pink veins and vibrant pink plumes, performing exceptionally well in hot conditions.
Chief Red Flame
Chief Red Flame This celosia boasts long-lasting, uniform cockscomb flower heads, attracting pollinators and providing seeds for songbirds.
Chinese Wool Flower
Chinese Wool Flower Brilliant blooms look like colorful tufts of yarn, setting landscapes and floral arrangements ablaze!
Eternity Mix
Eternity Mix Dazzling colors in blood orange, lemon, raspberry, tangerine tones. Excellent for beds, borders, containers and cut flower use!
Flamingo Feather
Flamingo Feather Graceful, soft rosy-pink spikes with intriguing texture and silvery bases make an elegant vertical accent and excellent cut flower.
Flamma Orange
Flamma Orange This vibrant orange celosia offers exceptional resistance to heat, humidity, and rain, providing brilliant, long-lasting color.
View all 29 varieties →

Pests

Diseases

Beneficial Critters

Growing from Seed

Sowing indoors is recommended unless you have a long season. Seeds need light and warmth to germinate. Cover lightly or with sprinkle of vermiculite.

Planting Considerations

Celosia does not like wet feet.

Harvesting

Harvest (for fresh and dried arrangements) when flowers are fully developed and stem is firm at base of flower.

Storage

Strip all foliage and dry upside down.

Pruning

Pinching at 6-8" (15-20 cm) is best for C. cristata and C. plumosa to increase uniform branching.

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