Celosiais a genus in the amaranth family, with the most common species known as cockscomb.
Some varieties have burgundy or bronze leaves.
These plants grow best in full sun and slightly acidic or alkaline soil.
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
They tolerate sweltering temperatures but die in frost.
Celosia grow up to three feet tall and spread up to two feet wide, depending on variety.
The leaves, young stems, and flowers are edible.
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Celosia Care
Celosia are relatively easy to grow and maintain.
Celosia plants obtained from a nursery in season should be planted as soon as possible.
The ideal growing condition for celosia is afull-sunlocation to bloom at its best.
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
Tall varieties of celosia require staking.
Planting these large flowering types in a sheltered part of the garden makes staking optional.
Light
Celosia need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom best.
In containers, any standard potting mix will do.
Although celosia can tolerateclay soil, the plants will likely fail during heavy rainfall or overwatering periods.
Water
Water celosia regularly in hot or dry weather.
Let the soil surface dry to the touch before watering, and avoid overwatering.
Use amoisture meterif you are unsure.
Temperature and Humidity
Celosia tolerate heat and love a hot, humid summer to produce vivid blooms.
If the plants begin to look tired, add some seaweed orfish emulsionto water to boost trace nutrients.
A basichigh-nitrogen, water-soluble fertilizer is also suitable for celosia.
Avoid the base of the plant when adding fertilizer, which can burn the root system.
Apply fertilizer slightly further away from the stem instead.
Types of Celosia
Of approximately 60 species of celosia,most garden varieties are members of theC.
Celosia flowers come in various sizes, colors, textures, and shapes.
Here are a few well-loved favorites.
However, you might also propagate them from cuttings.
Here’s how:
Growing Celosia from Seed
Celosia is relatively easy to start from seed.
Otherwise, direct sow seeds in the spring when the threat of frost is gone.
Here’s how:
Potting and Repotting Celosia
Celosia do not like their roots disturbed.
These plants prefer a garden bed but will grow in containers with ample drainage.
Plant them at least eight inches from their neighbor in an arrangement.
Leaf spot can also spread if not addressed immediately.
Cut Flowers
Celosiablooms make excellent cut flowers, maintaining their bright color and unique shape.
These blooms can add textural variety to bouquets.
They also dry very well.
How Long Does Celosia Bloom?
Celosia flowers bloom for about three months.
If deadheaded, the plants will venture to produce more flowers to set more seeds for the next season.
Celosia do not bloom again the following year.
What Do Celosia Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Some varieties have a sweet, mild fragrance, while others have no scent.
Snip off blooms that have started to droop, turn brown, or fade.
Common Problems with Celosia
Celosiaare easy to grow and require very little maintenance.
Steady, full sun and regular watering are all this plant needs.
Avoid keeping the soil overly wet.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves can often indicate underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.
Check each of these factors and adjust appropriately.
Curling or Drooping Leaves
Curling or drooping leaves might be a sign of overwatering.
Celosia are overly sensitive to wet or soggy soil.
Wait longer in between water cycles.
Celosia is not invasive; however, it can reseed in the garden.
Celosia is not known to be toxic to dogs or other animals.
Celosia are warm-weather annuals that bloom all summer into fall.
Celosia combine naturally with other members of the amaranth family, like gomphrena orlove-lies-bleeding.
Celosia plants are tender perennials in zones 10 and 11, but they are grown as annuals everywhere else.
