Celosia Muhammad Mahdi Karim / GFDL 1.2
garden

Celosia

Overview

Tropical annual whose blooms come in extraordinary forms — feathery plumes, crested brain-like shapes, and spiky wheat-like spires in electric reds, oranges, pinks, and yellows. Celosia's vivid, long-lasting flowers keep their color for weeks in the garden and dry beautifully for permanent arrangements. In West Africa and Southeast Asia, the leaves and young flowers are eaten as a nutritious green.

Companion Planting & Soil

Good Companions

MarigoldZinniaBasilCosmos
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeRich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture

Planting Calendar

When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.

ZoneActionMonthsNotes
Cold (1-2) Start Indoors Mar — Apr Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; needs warmth to germinate
Cold (1-2) Transplant Jun — Jun Transplant after all frost danger; do not let roots get potbound
Cold (1-2) Harvest Jul — Sep Cut flowers for drying; colors hold well; harvest before frost
Cool (3-4) Start Indoors Mar — Apr Start indoors 6 weeks before last frost
Cool (3-4) Transplant May — Jun Transplant after last frost; thrives in heat
Cool (3-4) Harvest Jun — Oct Cut stems for drying; hang upside down in dark area
Moderate (5-7) Transplant Apr — May Transplant when nighttime temps stay above 55°F
Moderate (5-7) Harvest Jun — Oct Harvest plume or cockscomb types for fresh or dried arrangements
Warm (8-9) Direct Sow Mar — May Direct sow in spring; loves hot weather
Warm (8-9) Harvest May — Oct Long bloom season; harvest regularly
Hot (10+) Direct Sow Feb — Apr Direct sow in spring; excels in heat
Hot (10+) Harvest Apr — Nov Excellent in hot climates; long bloom season

Uses

Culinary

  • Leaves cooked as a spinach substitute in West African cuisine
  • Young flowers added to salads and stir-fries

Other Uses

  • Outstanding dried flower that retains color indefinitely
  • Dramatic bedding and container plant
  • Cut flower for long-lasting bouquets