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Celosia argentea var. cristata ‘Tornado Red’ (Cockscomb)

Cockscomb 'Tornado Red', Crested Cockscomb 'Tornado Red', Celosia Cristata Group

Celosia argentea 'Tornado Red', Cockscomb 'Tornado Red', Crested Cockscomb 'Tornado Red', Celosia Cristata Group

A pollinator-magnet, Celosia argentea var. cristata ‘Tornado Red’ (Cockscomb) is a compact, bushy annual noted for its velvety, rich carmine red, crested flower heads resembling the comb of a rooster. Blooming throughout summer into fall, the fan-shaped blossoms rise on stems clad with spear-shaped green leaves. This tropical plant is effective as a bedding plant or in containers. It makes wonderful fresh cut flowers and is terrific in dried arrangements.

  • Grows up to 18-24 in. tall (45-60 cm) and 12 in. wide (30 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun or light shade in humus-rich, moderately fertile, consistently moist, well-drained soils. Thrives in heat and humidity and tolerates dry soils and drought once established. Plant in a location sheltered from strong winds.
  • A great choice for beds and borders, edging, containers, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens. Excellent for fresh or dried flower arrangements and bouquets.
  • While Celosia is mostly grown for its flowers, Celosia is 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.
  • Low maintenance, add this charming annual plant to the landscape and you will be rewarded with bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, beneficial insects, and songbirds.
  • In warm winter climates, such as USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11, Cockscomb can also be grown as a perennial.
  • Deadhead spent flowers to prolong bloom.
  • Harvest flowers when they are fully developed and before they begin to make seed.
  • Propagate by seed. Sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed or indoors 6-8 weeks prior to the last spring frost date.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for glasshouse red spider mites, glasshouse whitefly, and aphids when grown under glass. Susceptible to root rot. Crowding, rain, and high humidity will cause flowers to rot. This plant is frequently damaged by deer.
  • Celosia argentea is native to Tropical Africa.

Requirements

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
Plant Family Amaranthaceae
Genus Celosia
Common names Cockscomb
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' (30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
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
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Celosia argentea var. cristata (Plumosa Group) ‘Flamma Orange’
Celosia argentea var. cristata (Plumosa Group) ‘Ice Cream Pink’
Celosia argentea var. cristata (Cristata Group)
Celosia argentea var. cristata ‘Cramer’s Lemon Lime’ (Cockscomb)
Celosia argentea var. cristata ‘Orange Queen Improved’ (Cockscomb)
Celosia argentea var. cristata (Plumosa Group)

Recommended Companion Plants

Ageratum houstonianum (Floss Flower)
Tagetes (Marigold)
Zinnia elegans (Zinnia)
Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Annual Flowers and Plants
Best Annual Flowers and Plants to Spruce up Your Garden
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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.
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Requirements

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
Plant Family Amaranthaceae
Genus Celosia
Common names Cockscomb
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' (30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
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
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Celosia
Not sure which Celosia to pick?
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