Celosia Cristata Seeds

The plants are hardy and resistant to most diseases, and grows both in indoors & out, though the perfect place is one with no shade and a well drained soil, easily attracts fungal diseases. Read about anti fungal remedies.

How to grow Cockscomb- Celosia cristata from Seeds:

Introduction and Uses: It is a very popular and easy to grow annual. C. cristata produces large flower heads which are crested and look like cock’s plume. The common color of these large, compact, velvety flowerheads is bright maroon red, yellow, or crimson purple. Cockscomb is useful as a bedding plant, borders and pots. It can be used as a cover plant in the shrubbery, especially a newly planted one. The flowers are good for cutting and can be dried for table decorations as the dry flowerheads of cockscomb retain the colors for a long time.

The plant attracts lots of butterflies. Read about how to create butterfly garden.

Botanical Name: Celosia argentea var. cristata

Common Name: Cockscomb

Family: Amaranthaceae

Plant Origin: Tropical asia

Propagation Method: Direct seed sowing

Flowering/ Growing Season: Summer and Rainy season

Sunlight Requirement: Full sunlight (6-8 hours)

Plant Height: 25-50 cm in summer, more than 100 cm in monsoon.

Growing Method of Cockscomb- Celosia cristata Plant:

Celosia is grown by direct seed sowing in pots, containers, and flower beds.

Seeds can be sown in January and February for flowering in summer months and during May - June for flowering in rainy season.

The garden soil should be well prepared and formed evenly. Soil should be aerated, porous with good drainage.

Before sowing the seeds, soil should be made slightly moist.

While sowing, the seeds should be mixed with an equal quantity of sand to obtain uniformity.

For beds and borders, seeds can be broadcasted directly and evenly on soil, and extra seedlings can be thinned later.

Immediately after sowing the seeds, watering should be done carefully with a fine rose-can.

If grown by transplantation method, seedlings should be transplanted when very small (2.5-3 cm) to avoid shock.

Planting Distance: 20-30 cm between two plants. Plant can be grown in 25 cm pot.

Watering: Plants require plenty of frequent watering.

Feeding: Celosia responds well to the application of liquid NPK manure.

Plant care: Rust and rot can be quite serious in Celosia. Affected plants remain stunted and do not flower properly. Spray fungicides like Uthane and Saaf to control infection.

Bloom time: Flowering takes place in about 3 months after seed sowing.