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Celosia

Cockscomb, Plume Celosia, Feather Celosia, Celosia argentea, Celosia cristata, Celosia plumosa, Celosia spicata

Cockscomb, Plume Celosia, Feather Celosia, Celosia argentea, Celosia cristata, Celosia plumosa, Celosia spicata

Incredibly showy, Celosia is prized by gardeners for its flamboyant summer flowers. Blooming its heart out over a long season, this tropical annual or perennial plant is easy to grow, tolerates heat and humidity, and attracts beneficial insects to the garden.

What is Celosia?

Celosia is a genus of edible and ornamental plants in the amaranth family, Amaranthaceae, native to tropical regions of Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia.

Description: Known for their vibrant, feathery flowers, Celosia species are striking plants that bring a bold pop of color to any setting. The flowers come in a variety of bright colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink, and purple.

Growth Habit & Size: Depending on the variety, Celosia can be a compact plant suitable for edging or containers or a larger plant that fits well in borders or beds. Heights can range from 6 inches (15 cm) to 4 feet (100 cm) or more, and the plants usually have a bushy, upright growth habit.

Flowers: Celosia flowers are vibrant and velvety with unique shapes. The three main types – plumosa, cristata, and spicata – have plume-like, brain-like, or spike-like flowers, respectively.

Foliage: The leaves are generally lance-shaped or oval, and they can be green, reddish, or bronze, depending on the variety.

Blooming Season: Celosia blooms from late spring through fall, often continuing until the first frost.

Hardiness: Celosia is typically grown as an annual, but it is a tender perennial in USDA zones 10 and 11.

Uses: Celosia is widely used in ornamental horticulture, with applications ranging from borders and beds to containers and hanging baskets. The vibrant flowers not only look great in the garden but also make excellent cut flowers. They can also be dried and used in arrangements.

Edible: While Celosia is mostly grown for its flowers, it is also edible. Leaves, tender stems, and young flower spikes can be eaten boiled or cooked in sauce or stew with other ingredients. The leaves are a nutritious addition to the vegetable garden. They contain high levels of beta-carotene and folic acid.

Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are attracted to the brightly colored flowers, making this plant a valuable addition to the vegetable garden.

Toxicity: Celosia is non-toxic to humans and pets.

Deer and Rabbit. Deer and rabbits love the plant.

Drought: Once established, Celosia has good drought tolerance, although it prefers regular watering for optimal growth and blooming.

Invasiveness: Some species can self-seed prolifically and may become invasive in certain conditions or regions.

Despite their exotic appearance, Celosias are easy to grow, making them a gardener’s favorite.

Celosia, with its extravagant summer blooms, is highly valued for its captivating display. This tropical annual or perennial plant thrives in heat and humidity, attracting beneficial insects. It is easy to grow, making it a popular choice for cut flowers that bring long-lasting beauty to both vases and everlasting bouquets.

Guide Information

Hardiness 2 - 11
Heat Zones 2 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Annuals, Perennials
Genus Celosia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 6" - 4'
(15cm - 120cm)
Spread 6" - 2'
(15cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage

Celosia, with its extravagant summer blooms, is highly valued for its captivating display. This tropical annual or perennial plant thrives in heat and humidity, attracting beneficial insects. It is easy to grow, making it a popular choice for cut flowers that bring long-lasting beauty to both vases and everlasting bouquets.

Celosia argentea (Spicata Group) ‘Flamingo Feather’ (Silver Cockscomb)
Celosia argentea var. cristata (Cristata Group)
Celosia argentea var. cristata (Plumosa Group)

Main Types of Celosia

Celosia is a diverse genus, but three main types are commonly grown as ornamental plants:

Celosia argentea var. cristata (Crested Celosia or Cockscomb): This variety is characterized by its unique, coral-like, or brain-like flower heads. The tightly clustered blooms are brightly colored in shades of red, yellow, orange, pink, and even purple. The flowers can be quite large and visually striking. They require staking. They grow 12-36 inches tall (30-90 cm).

Celosia argentea var. plumosa (Feather Celosia or Plumed Celosia): This variety has flame-shaped or plume-like flowers that stand upright on the plant. The small flowers are densely packed along the bloom’s length and are often brightly colored. This type is often used in summer bouquets due to its long vase life. They grow 8-24 inches tall (20-60 cm).

Celosia argentea var. spicata (Spiked Celosia or Wheat Celosia): This variety has flowers that form long, slender spikes, similar to wheat. The blooms are usually pink, red, or purple, and the plants have a more relaxed, natural growth habit compared to the other types. They grow 12-36 inches tall (30-90 cm).

Each type has unique qualities and uses in the garden, from bedding and border displays to cut flower arrangements. Despite their differing appearances, all types share a love for warm, sunny conditions and well-draining soil. They are also all great for attracting pollinators to the garden.

Celosia argentea var. cristata (Plumosa Group) ‘Dragon’s Breath’
Celosia argentea var. cristata (Plumosa Group) ‘Flamma Orange’
Celosia argentea var. cristata (Plumosa Group) ‘Fresh Look Gold’

When to Plant Celosia?

  • Seeds can be sown directly in the garden after your last spring frost date. Soil temperatures should ideally be between 70-75°F (21-25°C).
  • Alternatively, start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
  • Celosia germinates quickly, sprouting within 8-14 days and blooming in about 90-120 days.

Where to Plant Celosia?

  • Celosia can be grown as annual plants in hardiness zones 2-11 or as tender perennials in hardiness zones 10-11.
  • It performs best in full sun (8 hours of sunlight daily) or light shade in humus-rich, moderately fertile, consistently moist, well-drained soils.
  • To improve drainage, incorporate compost or sand into heavy soils.
  • It thrives in heat and humidity and tolerates dry soils and drought once established.
  • Celosia is a great choice for beds and borders, edging, containers, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens. Plant in a sheltered location.
  • Bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects are drawn to the flowers, making it a valuable addition to the vegetable garden.
  • Celosia also makes a good indoor plant (conservatory, porch, or greenhouse), but preferably not in centrally heated rooms.

How to Plant Celosia?

  • When sowing directly into the garden, clear the area of weeds, then rake the surface to a fine, crumbly texture.
  • It is more successful in starting the Celosia seeds indoors.
  • Set the seed on the soil surface. Do not cover with soil because Celosia needs light to sprout.
  • Keep your newly sown Celosia at 70-75°F°F (21-25°C).
  • Keep the soil moist until the seeds sprout, which should take about 8-14 days.
  • When the plants are 3-5 in. tall (7-12 cm) and nighttime temperatures outdoors are at least 55°F (13°C), harden them off by setting them outside in the shade for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time and sunlight over 7-10 days.
  • Transplant to the garden
  • Once plants reach 8-12 inches tall (20-30 cm), pinch out the tip of the center stem to encourage more branching.
Celosia argentea (Spicata Group) ‘Asian Garden’ (Silver Cockscomb)
Celosia argentea var. cristata (Plumosa Group) ‘Fresh Look Yellow’
Celosia argentea var. cristata (Plumosa Group) ‘Ice Cream Pink’

Caring and Growing Tips

Water and Moisture

  • Celosia is somewhat drought tolerant but will perform better in moist soil.
  • Water regularly throughout the growing season.
  • Do not overwater. Too much water can kill the plant. Only water when the soil’s top 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) are dry.

Fertilizer

  • Feed with a  balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks

Deadheading / Pruning

  • Deadheading will promote more blooms.
  • If the flowers are not deadheaded, the plants may self-sow.
  • Stake taller cockscomb varieties to prevent the stem from breaking as the large flower head develops.

Harvesting

  • Celosia flowers are beautiful fresh, and excellent in dried flower arrangements and bouquets.
  • Harvest flowers when they are fully developed and before they begin to make seed.
  • Make the first cut of the central stem almost at ground level. This sets up the plant to produce more strong, tall stems.
  • Keep the attractive foliage on the top third of the stem.
  • Celosia flowers have a long vase life – 10 to 14 days.
  • Celosia flowers can be dried easily if hung upside down. They retain a pretty color.

Propagating

  • Celosia is propagated easily from seed.

Pest and Diseases

  • Celosia has no serious pest or disease issues. However, some problems may occasionally occur:
  • Root rot: Too much water will cause yellowing foliage, rotting stems, or collapsing growth.
  • When grown as a houseplant, it is susceptible to infestation by aphids and spider mites, which can be washed off.

Companion Plants

Celosia’s vibrant colors and unique flower shapes make them a standout in any garden. Pair them with the right companion plants, and you can create truly stunning displays. Here are some good companion plants :

Marigold (Tagetes): Marigolds, with their bright yellow, orange, or red blooms, complement the bold colors of Celosia. Both plants thrive in sunny conditions and well-drained soil.

Zinnia: Zinnias are another flowering plant that produces vibrant blooms, making them a great companion. They also share similar growing conditions.

Petunia: The sprawling habit of petunias can be a nice contrast to the upright growth of Celosia. The softer colors of some petunia varieties can provide a nice balance to Celosia’s intense hues.

Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria): The silvery-grey foliage of Dusty Miller can provide a beautiful contrast to the bright colors of Celosia, making the flowers pop even more.

Salvia: Salvia’s spiky, vertical flower clusters can complement Celosia’s unique flower shapes, and the typically purple or blue flowers contrast nicely with the bright colors of Celosia.

Ornamental Grasses: The feathery plumes and arching form of ornamental grasses can make a nice backdrop for the bold colors and shapes of Celosia.

Portulaca (Moss Rose): Portulaca’s trailing habit and bright, cup-shaped flowers pair well with the upright, feathery blooms.

Remember, all of these plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Choose companions with similar care needs to ensure that all the plants thrive.

Companion Plants for Celosia

Jacobaea maritima (Dusty Miller)
Portulaca grandiflora (Moss Rose)
Ageratum (Floss Flower)
Tagetes (Marigold)
Tropaeolum (Nasturtium)
Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon)
Zinnia elegans (Zinnia)
Petunia
Salvia (Sage)

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

57 Types of Flowers You Should Grow
Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth)
Meconopsis (Blue Poppy)
Tagetes (Marigold)
Eryngium (Sea Holly)
Salvia (Sage)
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Celosia
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 2 - 11
Heat Zones 2 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Annuals, Perennials
Genus Celosia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 6" - 4'
(15cm - 120cm)
Spread 6" - 2'
(15cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
Compare All Celosia
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Celosia

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