Celosia Adds Color and Interest to the Flower Garden

Celosia has feathery or crested shaped flowers.

A real eye catcher, celosia is a brilliantly colored addition to any sunny garden. There are two types, one type has feathery flowers and the other has blooms that are shaped like a rooster's crest.

Some varieties of celosia grow only 10 inches tall while some reach three feet. The plants like plenty of sun and a well drained soil. Celosia grows with a moderate amount of watering, about an inch a week. Fertilizing every six weeks with liquid fertilizer or manure tea encourages healthy growth.

Celosia has large striking red or yellow blooms.

The main colors are red and yellow but orange and pink are available. Some varieties have red or yellow-pigmented leaves and stems that add to the color display. The leaves have prominent veins.

In addition to its bright colors, celosia adds interesting textures and structures to the flowerbed. The taller varieties give a vertical accent to the middle or rear of the bed. The plumosa or feathery type provide a contrast to more common flower types such as a petunia's trumpet shape or the daisy shape of a zinnia. The crested cockscomb is an interesting structure in itself. It is said to look like the crest of a rooster.

Celosia attracts butterflies.

The plants are easily from seeds, but six packs are commonly available in the spring. Butterflies and bees are attracted to celosia. Flower heads that reach maturity gradually turn light brown as they go to seed. Old flower heads should be removed or "deadheaded" so that new flower heads can develop. Celosia commonly drops its seeds that can sprout next year.

Aphids sometimes infect cockscomb; grasshoppers and caterpillars eat the leaves.

Pesticides such as Malathion are used for chemical control. Organic control can include the use of BT, bacteria that kill insects.

The original species of celosia grow as weeds in tropical areas in Asia, Africa, and South America.

Stems and flowers are dried for bouquets.

Celosia makes striking bouquets of cut flowers and can be dried for floral arrangements. To dry, cut the stems near the ground when they are in full bloom, remove the leaves, and hang upside down in a dark, dry spot in the garage or shed. Hang them far enough apart so the stems or flower heads do not touch and place an old sheet below them to catch any seeds that might fall from the blooms.