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Celosia, Crested

Annual Flower

Also known as Crested Cockscomb, Woolflower
Celosia argentea var cristata
Amaranthaceae Family
Synonym: Celosia cristata

The dense, rippling flower heads of this plant resemble cockscombs, and bring unusual style and bright color to the garden and dried floral arrangements alike.

	Site and Plant Characteristics
	Growing Information
	Varieties

Site Characteristics

Sunlight:

full sun
part shade

Soil conditions:

requires well-drained soil
requires high fertility

Needs consistent moisture. Keep soil moist but not soggy.

Special locations:

outdoor containers

Plant Traits

Lifecycle: annual

Ease-of-care: moderately difficult

Height: 0.5 to 3 feet

Spread: 0.5 to 1 feet

Bloom time:

mid-summer
late summer
early fall
mid-fall

Flower color:

red
orange
yellow
violet
white
pink

Foliage color:

medium green
other

Foliage texture: medium

Shape: upright

Shape in flower: flower stalks with upright spikes

Flowerheads are dense and gathered, resembling rooster combs.

Special Considerations

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 4 weeks before the last frost. Cover them with soil, since light inhibits their germination. Can also be sown outdoors after the last frost. Pre-started plants are often available at retail outlets.

Germination temperature: 65 F to 70 F

Days to emergence: 14 to 21

Maintenance and care:

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

Pests:

Spider mites

Diseases:

Oedema
Parasitic nematodes
Powdery mildew
Fungal leaf spot

Varieties

Look for varieties with different heights, flower colors, and some with reddish foliage.
�Jewel Box� Mix: very dwarf plants (6 to 8� tall) in a wide variety of flower colors.
�Amigo� Series: dwarfs (6� tall) with a wide variety of vivid flower colors.
�Chief� Series: tall (3 to 4�) plants with brightly colored flowers in a variety of shades on long stems. Good for cutting and drying purposes. Selected 2002 "Dried Cut Flower of the Year" by the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers.
�Sparkler� Series: wide variety of flower colors, borne on very tough stems that make it excellent for cutting/drying purposes. 2 �� tall.