Celosia argentea var. cristata
Cast the seeds of this early-blooming Celosia series and enjoy velvety, touchable flowers in your landscape with an almost iridescent buttery yellow color throughout summer and fall. They are so easy to grow and an absolute must for SO many reasons! They make a tremendously longlasting cut flower and will surely be a conversation piece for visitors. A member of the amaranth family, you can even feel free to enjoy celosias as a colorful, floral tea - the color of the fresh blossoms will determine the color brewed! What else? Substitute in the edible leaves when cooking things like collar greens, chard, kale, etc. What else? Grow your own bird food that isn't laden with insecticides! Oh, did we mention that deer and rabbits will completely ignore celosia? Enjoy!
QUICK FACTS
Bloom Season: Summer and Fall
Days to Flowering: 90 - 110 days
Photoperiod Classification: Facultative Short-Day (and flowers best when exposed to 6 to 8 hours of daylight)
Pinch: Yes, to promote branching
Deadhead: Yes, to encourage rebloom and delay seed development
Staking: Not necessary
Height at Maturity: 36 - 48"
Recommended Spacing: 12"
STARTING SEEDS INDOORS
When to Sow: Late February - Early April
When to Harden Off: About 4 weeks after germination
When to Transplant to Garden: About 5 to 6 weeks after germination, after final frost
STARTING SEEDS OUTDOORS
When to Direct Sow Seeds in Garden: Late April to Mid-May
FOR FLOWER ARRANGING
For maximum vase life (7 - 14 days): Snip for arranging when the flowers are BOTH fully developed AND stems are firm at the base of the bloom. Cut those stems at a 45-degree angle for maximum water uptake, and place them directly into fresh, lukewarm water with flower food, in a cool, draft-free area, out of direct sunlight. Trim away any wilted or browning leaves that develop, which can draw away moisture from the blossoms.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS TO YOUR GARDEN
Attracts and Supports: birds (native sparrows, juncos, towhees, northern cardinals and mourning doves), butterflies (several species), and bees (honeybees, bumblebees)