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 is reached. Pre-started plants are often available at retail outlets.

Germination temperature: 65 F to 70 F

Days to emergence: 14 to 21

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

Spider mites

Oedema
Parasitic nematodes
Powdery mildew
Fungal leaf spot

Look for varieties with different heights, flower colors, and some with reddish foliage.

'Apricot Brandy': orange flowers on 18" tall plants.

‘Geisha’ Mix: wide variety of flower colors on dwarf (10’ tall) plants. Excellent for pots.

‘Kewpie’ Mix: very dwarf plants (8 to 10” tall) in a wide variety of flower colors. Early flowering.

‘Castle’ Series: wide variety of flower colors. Flowers retain color much longer than traditional Celosia blooms. Very drought and heat resistant.

'Bombay' Series: variety of bright flower colors. Long-lasting flowers on early blooming, heat tolerant plants.

‘Fairy Fountains’: a mix of flower colors. Dwarf plants (1’ tall or less).

‘Century’ Series: 2’ tall plants with various flower colors. Some have bronze foliage. Large flower heads, dense plants.

‘Gloria’ Series: dwarf (8” tall) plants with a variety of flower colors. Compact.

‘Kimono’ Series: very dwarf (4 to 6”) plants with dense foliage and uniform flower heads. Variety of flower colors.