Celosia Growing Guide

Celosia argentea 

Celosia

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

None. Celosia cannot tolerate cold temperatures.

Feeding

Mix a light application of a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil prior to planting. In midsummer, drench plants with a liquid plant food to stimulate new growth.

Companions

Dwarf types with upright plumes provide great contrast in form when mixed with flowers that have flat daisy-type blossoms. Tall cockscomb type varieties often are grown as cut flowers.

Spacing

Single Plants: 7" (20cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 7" (20cm) with 11" (30cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow shiny black celosia seeds in warm, moist seed starting mix. Seed germination is fast and sure, but most gardeners buy celosia seedlings. Where summers are long and warm, you can direct-sow celosia seeds in spring. Allow 12 inches (30cm) between very tall varieties.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Celosia often reseeds in warm climates, but not in an invasive way. Flower colors include shades of red, yellow, orange, and pink.

Harvesting

Snip off spent blossoms to keep plants looking neat, and to prolong flowering. Tall varieties make great cut flowers.

Troubleshooting

Celosias have few pest problems as long as they are grown in warm weather.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Celosia