About

Celosia (Celosia argentea) is a velvety, vibrantly-colored flower that yields several blooms throughout the summer; it thrives in the heat. I found that some of my stalks even reached 5 feet tall! Fortunately, these stalks are thick and study so they are generally not in need of staking like dahlias need. You can also buy varieties that only grow 8-10” tall if you do not want all of that flair and towering drama; these are typically the plumed varieties of celosia. My favorite variety of celosia to plant is “Coral Reef”, a cockscomb variety. As you can see in the photos, colors array from gentle yellows to bright corals to flaming oranges to hot pinks.

In general, when you think of growing celosia, think “hot and dry”. You do not want to overwater the plants so make sure the top 1-2” of the soil are dry before watering again. The plants will also die as soon as temperatures dip into 30s and 40s Fahrenheit.

Celosia is an annual, which means that it will not bloom again from the same plant. However, the seeds of the celosia are extremely easy to harvest and save! When you cut a bloom and it dries, seeds will fall right out of the flower for you to set aside to plant for next season. All in all, celosia is an easy and rewarding flower to include in your garden!

Stats

Amount of Sun: full sun; 8+ hours per day

Starting Seed Indoors: start in trays 4-6 weeks before the last frost date in your location; transplant to the garden bed once temperatures are 55+ Fahrenheit at night.

Starting Seeds Outdoors: direct seed in the garden bed once temperatures are 55+ Fahrenheit at night.

Soil Depth for Seeds: 1/8 to 1/4”

Planting Space: 9-12” apart

Plant Height: plumed varieties 8-24”; wheat varieties 12-36”; cockscomb varieties 36-60”

Vase Life: 2 weeks; also does wonderfully as a dried flower if you hang them upside down for 2 weeks to dry out