Celosia argentea var. plumosa
Cast the seeds of this beautiful Celosia blend after our last frost and enjoy iridescent, soft plumes of color throughout summer and fall. The more you cut the more they bloom. Deer and rabbits will completely ignore celosia. This series coordinates very nicely with our 'Queeny Series' zinnias. 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)