How to Grow and Care for Celosia Flowers
Annual,Celosia Cristata
Celosia are also called Cockscomb and Woolflowers. Celosia are noted for
their brilliant "rooster comb" plumes. Celosia makes a very showy, unusual
display in borders and as edging. While the brilliant reds are by far the
most popular color, Celosia, or Cockscomb, also come in yellow, orange, crimson,
rose, and purple flowers.
Celosia are wonderful for bouquets, fresh or dried. To dry these flowers,
hang them upside down in a cool dark, and dry place for about two months.
Propagation:
Celosia are grown from very fine seeds. They can be directly seeded into
your flower garden or seeded indoors for transplanting later. If planting
outdoors, sow celosia seeds after the soil has begun to warm in the spring.
We recommend starting them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date for
your area. Seeds need to stay moist, and require warm soil to germinate.
Sow seeds early in the season and cover lightly with 1/8" of fine soil. Water
thoroughly and keep soil moist.
How to Grow Celosia Plants:
Celosia like full sun. They need rich soil with lots of compost to produce
big, brilliant plumes.The soil needs to be moist, not wet.Water them during
dry periods regularly. Soil should drain well. Add a general purpose fertilizer
once or twice a month.
Space small varieties about 18" apart and larger varieties 18"-24" apart.
Smaller varieties will grow 10"-12". Larger types will grow up to two feet.
Tip: To produce more plumes, pinch back the first one. While you may
be anxious for those first bright blooms, this will promote more branching
and reward you later.
Insect and Disease:
Celosia are somewhat resistant to insects and disease. Occasionally, aphids
enjoy the leaves and stem. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early
with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.
More Information:
How
to Grow Celosia Plants
Buy Flower, Vegetable and Herb Seeds Finest quality
Ferry Morse Seed, America's oldest seed company with their famous "guarantee
to grow". |
