Growing Guide
 
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Celosia, Crested

Annual Flower

Also known as Crested Cockscomb, Woolflower
Celosia argentea var cristata
Amaranthaceae Family
Synonym: Celosia cristata

The dense, rippling flower heads of this plant resemble cockscombs, and bring unusual style and bright color to the garden and dried floral arrangements alike.

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Site Characteristics
Sunlight:
  • full sun
  • part shade

Soil conditions:

  • requires well-drained soil
  • requires high fertility
Needs consistent moisture. Keep soil moist but not soggy.

Special locations:

  • outdoor containers
Plant Traits

Lifecycle: annual

Ease-of-care: moderately difficult

Height: 0.5 to 3 feet

Spread: 0.5 to 1 feet

Bloom time:

  • mid-summer
  • late summer
  • early fall
  • mid-fall

Flower color:

  • red
  • orange
  • yellow
  • violet
  • white
  • pink

Foliage color:

  • medium green
  • other

Foliage texture: medium

Shape: upright

Shape in flower: flower stalks with upright spikes

Flowerheads are dense and gathered, resembling rooster combs.

Special Considerations
Special characteristics:
  • non-aggressive
  • non-invasive
  • not native to North America
Special uses:
  • cut flowers
  • dried flowers
Growing Information
How to plant:

Propagate by seed - Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before the last frost. Cover them with soil, since light inhibits their germination. Can also be sown outdoors after the last frost. Pre-started plants are often available at retail outlets.

Germination temperature: 65 F to 70 F

Days to emergence: 14 to 21

Maintenance and care:
May need staking. Requires regular watering. Plants purchased in cell-packs with crowded roots may develop slowly or may not develop at all if the crowded roots stop growing.

More growing information: How to Grow Annuals

Pests:
Spider mites
Diseases:
Oedema
Parasitic nematodes
Powdery mildew
Fungal leaf spot
Varieties
Look for varieties with different heights, flower colors, and some with reddish foliage.

�Jewel Box� Mix: very dwarf plants (6 to 8� tall) in a wide variety of flower colors.

�Amigo� Series: dwarfs (6� tall) with a wide variety of vivid flower colors.

�Chief� Series: tall (3 to 4�) plants with brightly colored flowers in a variety of shades on long stems. Good for cutting and drying purposes. Selected 2002 "Dried Cut Flower of the Year" by the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers.

�Sparkler� Series: wide variety of flower colors, borne on very tough stems that make it excellent for cutting/drying purposes. 2 �� tall.