Celosia (Celosia spp.)
Celosia Plant Features
There are a bunch of different varieties of celosia available, too, offering you plenty of options for designing your garden with it. Crested types have interesting, brain-like flowers that give rise to one of the plant's other monikers: cocks comb (because the flowers look like the comb on the head of a chicken). Plume types have feathery flowers that look like flames or puffs of cotton candy and are particularly fun in container gardens for adding vertical appeal and texture. And spicata types have interesting, wheat-like flowers. Most celosia varieties come in shades of red, pink, orange, and yellow.
While this sun-loving annual flower mixes beautifully with other flowers, they also look stunning on their own when planted en mass. This easy-care flower attracts butterflies and lasts a long time when cut for bouquets, too!
Celosia Questions?
If you have questions about growing celosia, just drop us an email. Our annual flower experts are more than happy to lend a hand!
Grow celosia in full sun -- that means this flower wants at least six hours of direct sun per day. In less light, celosia may grow tall and lanky, flop over, and bloom less. When you first plant it, celosia likes regular watering to help it get established, but once it gets going, it's quite drought tolerant. Still, consistent watering during hot, dry periods helps it grow better and bloom more profusely.
Fertilize celosia when you plant it. A slow-release fertilizer gives the plant nutrients through the growing season so you don't have to worry about repeat applications. But you can also use a water-soluble fertilizer each time you water. Just about any type of fertilizer will do for celosia. No matter what kind of product you use, do be sure to follow the directions on the packaging.
You typically don't need to worry about pruning celosia, but some gardeners do like to remove old flowers as they fade to keep the plant more attractive.
Celosia is not meant for consumption by humans or animals.
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Water
Low water needs
Medium water needs
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Light
Outside: Sun
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Colors
Orange
Pink
Purple
Red
White
Yellow
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Special Features
Attracts butterflies
Colorful foliage
Super-easy to grow