How to Grow and Care for Celosia

Reviewed by Debra LaGattuta

Celosia is the name given to a warm weather annual plant that is part of the Amaranthaceae family. Of the approximiately 60 species of celosia, most garden varieties are members of the argentea and spicata species. Within these species, you’ll discover tall spiky flowers, dense feathery plumes, and bizarre coral-like blooms (which some people say resemble brains) in vibrant colors. The foliage of most celosias is green, but some varieties have burgundy or bronze leaves.

This sun-loving annual grows between six to 36 inches tall and spreads up to 24 inches wide, depending on variety. You can design an entire flower bed with different varieties of celosia by staggering heights and creating a spectacular rainbow effect with different textures and forms. The plants stay more compact when you grow them in containers versus in the ground.

Along the garden or yard border, combine celosias with other low maintenance annuals, like zinnias or marigolds. Celosias combine naturally with other members of the amaranth family, like gomphrena or love-lies-bleeding. All tall varieties of celosias should have a place in the cutting garden and also dry very well for crafts or arrangements.

Celosia Care

Celosia is quite easy to grow and maintain. Here are some basic growing tips:

• Plant in well-draining soil or in containers with a well-drained potting mix. Richer soil produces more vibrant blooms.

• For the brightest blooms, plant celosia where it will receive at least six hours of full sun each day.

• Water regularly but allow the soil to dry between waterings. Avoid overwatering.

• Use a basic fertilizer once a month in summer. High nitrogen fertilizers work best.
  

Planting

After all danger of frost has passed in spring, plant your celosia plants in well-draining soil the garden or in outdoor containers. Celosia plants obtained from a nursery in season should be planted as soon as possible. They need full sun to really bloom at their best. If planting in your garden, look at the specifications on the tag for the specific variety to help you determine proper spacing between plants, There's a wide range of size among celosia varieties, so be sure to give them the room they need.

Tall varieties of celosia require staking. If you plant a tall variety with large flower heads in an open area, winds or storms can cause stem breakage. Planting these large flowering types in a sheltered part of the garden makes staking optional, if as the plants receive the full sun they need to stay vigorous.

Light

Celosia needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom at its best, most colorful self, but if your garden has only partial sun, planting where it receives the most sunlight (whether morning or afternoon) will help keep the blooms vigorous.

Soil

Celosia is tolerant of all soils, but they grow best in well-drained soils that don't become waterlogged. In containers, any standard potting mix will do. Although celosias can tolerate clay soil, the plants will likely fail during periods of heavy rainfall or overwatering.

Water

Water your celosia regularly in hot or dry weather, Let the soil surface become dry to the touch before watering, and avoid overwatering.

Temperature and Humidity

Celosia plants are tolerant of heat and love a nice hot summer to produce their vivid blooms. In a humid season, take care not to overwater, and keep the surface soil in containers dry between waterings if possible to prevent fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

Celosias produce their vivid flowers without asking for much fertilization in return, especially if your garden soil or potting medium is rich with compost. If the plants begin to look tired, add some seaweed or fish emulsion to the watering can for a boost of trace nutrients. A basic high-nitrogen, water-soluble fertilizer is also suitable for celosia. Avoid the base of the plant by the roots when adding fertilizer.

Types of Celosia

Celosia flowers come in a wide range of sizes, colors, textures, and shapes. Here are a few well-loved favorites.

• Bombay series: A conversation piece in the garden, they produce the unique brain-like blooms in a variety of colors, 30 to 40 inches tall. The vibrant pink shades include 'Pink', 'Candy', 'Firosa', and 'Fisal'.

• Castle Scarlet™ series: For lovers of red blooms, this variety features electrifying crimson plumes, growing 16 to 20 inches high.

• 'Flamingo Feather': These show-stoppers grow up to four feet tall with spiky pink blooms.

• Fresh Look series: Feathery plumes on compact plants (14 inches tall) tolerate wet or dry conditions and are very heat tolerant. They come in a range of vibrant colors.

• Sunday™ Gold: These celosia have golden, buttery yellow plumes contrasted with deep green foliage, growing from 24 to 30 inches tall.
  

Propagating Celosia

Most people buy celosia plants from a nursery as a decorative annual for planting intheir gardens and containers. However, you can also propagate them from cuttings. Cut the top four to six inches of the plant, then remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Place in water up to the top of the leafless area. Roots should appear within three weeks or so. Then transplant the cuttings to potting medium in containers or into the garden once any danger of frost has passed.

Growing Celosia from Seed

Celosia is fairly easy to start from seed. The plants will flower about three months after the seeds germinate, so you should start the seeds indoors about six weeks before your average last frost date. Use a standard potting mix. They require warm soil, so if you have a seedling heat mat to provide warmth, use it. Otherwise, provide temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees for best germination and to prevent damping off disease.

Common Pests and Diseases

Usually, celosia are quite resistant to diseases or pests, especially the newer hybrid varieties. They might occasionally be bothered by spider mites, stem rot, or leaf spot. Spider mites can be controlled in a few different ways. Stem rot is usually caused by a fungus present in garden soil and can be prevented by not overwatering and improving soil drainage. Leaf spot is caused by a fungus and can spread if not addressed immediately. Snip off the affected leaves, let the plant dry out, and watch for any spread on the plant.

How to Get Celosia to Bloom

Celosia are known for producing blooms prolifically all summer and well into fall. They do need regular deadheading to keep the plants looking clean and to promote season-long bloom. Just snip off blooms that have started to droop or turn brown or fade. The best way to keep your celosia blooming all season is to provide plenty of direct sunlight, well-drained soil, and proper watering.

Bloom Months

Your celosia plants can bloom from early June through first frost, and sometimes longer, depending on variety, If you can bring them inside on a night of early or unexpected frost, you can possibly prolong the bloom season if temperatures remain above freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is celosia invasive?

Celosia is generally not invasive during the growing season, however they can reseed themselves in the garden.

Are celosia toxic to dogs?

Celosia is not known to be toxic to dogs.

What season do celosia bloom in?

Celosia are a warm weather annual that blooms all summer into fall.

Read the original article on The Spruce.