Cockscomb requires full sun and moist, well-drained soils to thrive.
Deadheadspent flowers throughout the growing season to encourage new growth.
Pinch back stems when the plant is between 8 and 12 inches tall.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
This will support branching and keep flowers a similar size.
Consider staking the flower stalks, as the heavy blooms may cause stems to fall over.
Avoid this by deadheading flowers before they can set seed.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Plants can handle part shade conditions but may bloom less often without sufficient sunlight.
Soil
Plant cockscomb in moist, well-drained soil.
Amend heavy clay soils with compost or coarse sand to improve drainage before planting.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Cockscomb prefers slightly acidic soils high in organic matter.
Water
Water cockscomb regularly after planting to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Water plants when the top 2 inches of soil have dried out.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
It can thrive in a range of humidity levels.
Propagating Cockscomb
Cockscomb is easy to propagate by rooting stem cuttings in water.
You’ll need a healthy mother plant, sterilized scissors or pruners, and a clear glass or jar.
Here’s how to do propagate cockscomb.
Start seeds 10 weeks before your region’s last frost date.
Use a well-drained potting mix that contains coco coir or peat moss to retain moisture.
Ensure that the pot has several drainage holes, and avoid allowing the plant to sit in water.
Cockscomb works well as a taller “thriller” incontainer plantingswith multiple flowers.
Overwintering
Cockscomb can survive outdoors year-round in USDA hardiness zones nine through 12.
Cockscomb (Celosia argenteavar.cristata) for the Farmer Florist.Mississippi State University Extension.
Celosia.University of Minnesota Extension.
