Growing Guide
 
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Celosia, Wheat

Annual Flower

Celosia spicata
Amaranthaceae Family
Synonym: Celosia argentea ‘Spicata’

Attractive in the garden and in dried arrangements, this plant gets its common name from its silvery-pink, wheat-like flower plumes.

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Site Characteristics
Sunlight:
  • full sun

Soil conditions:

  • requires well-drained soil
Needs consistent moisture. Keep soil moist but not soggy.
Plant Traits

Lifecycle: annual

Ease-of-care: moderately difficult

Height: 2 to 2.5 feet

Spread: 1 to 2 feet

Bloom time:

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

Flower color:

  • violet
  • pink

Flowers may have a silvery sheen to them.

Foliage color:

  • medium green
  • dark green

Foliage texture: medium

Shape: upright

Shape in flower: same as above

Special Considerations
Tolerates:
  • frost
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 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost. Cover them with soil, since light inhibits their germination. Can also be sown outdoors after the last frost.

Germination temperature: 65 F to 70 F

Days to emergence: 14 to 21

Maintenance and care:
Pinch back small plants to insure bushy fullness. May require staking.

More growing information: How to Grow Annuals

Pests:
Parasitic nematodes
Diseases:
Wilt and rot in poor drainage
Oedema
Powdery mildew
Varieties
‘Flamingo’ Series: pink or purple flowers on tall, upright plants. Pink flowers fade to white/silver with time. Very good for dried arrangements.

‘Pink Candle’: uprights plant with deep pink flowers tinged with silver.