Celosia: A Strange and Exotic Bedding Plant

Celosia is a tropical herbaceous plant. Celosia is native to tropical regions in Asia and Africa. It is used as an annual bedding plant in Northern parts of the United States. It can be grown as a perennial in zones 9 to 10. Celosia is a self seeding plant that could easily multiply in a growing season. It grows best in a Ph of 6.0 - 6.5 and prefers a rich loamy well-drained soil for best blooms. The best way to propagate Celosia is by seed. The seeds are very tiny. Celosia is tricky to grow indoors because it doesn't need light to germinate but does after it germinates. Celosia grows germinates best in 70-75 degrees. Seedling can be transplanted outside after the last frost of the season. It is crucial to transplant seedlings before they become pot bound to prevent weak plants. Celosia should be grown in full sun or get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. When planted outside the seedlings will need at least one inch of water every week. Once the plant has become established they are very heat and drought tolerant. After blooms have died they should be dead headed to promote new growth and blooms. If conditions become moist and humid the blooms may turn brown and rot.

By looking at the bloom of a Celosia plant it is obvious they are in the Amaranthacae family. The blooms are very eyes catching and come in two main forms auxiliary and terminal. The Cristata group has the cockscomb shaped blooms and that's where this plants common name originated. These strange looking blooms are an eye catcher throughout many gardens. The Plumosa group is characterized by its upright almost pointed blooms. The Spicata group has much longer bloom stalks and comes in natural colors like light brown. The Childsii group is uncommon but kind of similar to the Cristata group except it has more globed shaped blooms.

Celosia comes in many different cultivars ranging from dwarf series to giants. Jewel Box mix is a dwarf series from the Cristata group that grows only 4-5" tall. Chief series, also from the Cristata group can grow a huge 3-4' tall and comes in many colors even a bi-colored red and yellow. Bombay series also from this group is said to be "big, strong, and vigorous" (Armintage 140.) The Bombay series are famous for their beauty and used a lot for cut flowers worldwide. 'Fireglow' is a 2' tall plant with bright red plumes and an All American Selection in 1964. 'Red Velvet' has bright red blooms that can get as large as 8' diameter on 3' stalks. 'Treasure Chest' is another type with very large blooms that can also be 10" in diameter. This cultivar is available in a variety of color and commonly a mixture of vibrant colors.

In the Plumosa group there is a dwarf series called Geisha. These grow 6-8" tall and come in a variety of colors. 'New Look' was a Georgia Garden Gold winner in 1998, also from the Plumosa group. This spectacular plant has bronzed foliage with deep red blooms. Century series have 12" tall blooms on a 2' stalk. The blooms are typically yellow or red and the leaves are a bronzed color. 'Forest Fire' is much like century series but it grows a little taller and has a fire red feathery bloom. Fairy Fountain is a dwarf series that is only sold as a mix and grow 10-12." Kimono series is the smallest of the Plumosa group growing only 8" and blooms are only 2" tall. 'Wine Sparkler' has red foliage with red blooms and grows 2-3' tall.

'Flamingo Purple' is a neat cultivar in the Spicata group. This plant can grow up to 4' and had purple leaves with pink blooms. Another interesting cultivar in the Spicata group is the 'Star Trek Lilac.' This plant grows baby plumes next to the main plume creating a star like shape. The Sparkler series is in the Childsii group that can grow 3' tall. They come in many fine colors like carmine, cream, yellow, red, and more. 'Amazon' is a cultivar that has narrow red blooms almost like those of black millet. These plants can grow up to 4' tall. 'Venezuela' is a dwarf series that has light pink plumes. 'Pink Candle' is a cultivar that has light pink colored blooms on 2-3' stalks.

Most bugs do not bother Celosia plants. However, there is one insect that does like it and can cause severe damage to the plant. These pesky insects are called aphids. Aphids can cause the growth of the plant to be stunted and deformities. To prevent an aphid infestation beneficial insects should be introduced. One effective insect is the lacewing bug. These creatures can devour many aphids but if infestation is too bad chemicals may need to be applied. A systemic insecticide is recommended for example Orthene can be used. It is wise to know that after chemicals have been applied beneficial insects may no longer be effective. Chemicals should only be used as a last resort and organic sprays should be tried before using pesticides.

Not many diseases affect Celosia the most damaging are root destroying nematodes. They are also vulnerable to fungus growth so it is vital to keep good sanitation in mind when handling these plants on a large scale to prevent loss. Celosia is very sensitive to ozone and excessive pollution. To avoid damage during very hot days, irrigation should be done when the temperature cools down.

The blooms of Celosia are used as cut flowers, as dried flowers, and are also edible. Celosia also has medicinal uses. Recent studies have shown that an extract from Celosia argentea used as an alcohol solution may help heal burns and wounds faster. It has also been used in the past for skin sores, eruptions, and mouth sores. It is not proven to speed up healing yet but studies are still being conducted to determine if it can be used for medicinal purposes.

Celosia has many uses and most of all it's a beautiful flower that will attract the attention of people, birds, and butterflies.

Works Cited

Armitage, Allan M. Armitage's Manual of Annuals, Bi-Ennials, and Half-Hardy Perennials. Portland, Oregon: Timber P, 2001. 134-142.

Gill, Stanton, Russell Balge, Ethel Dutkey, Wanda Maclachlan, and Suzanne Klick. "Production of Celosia as Cut Flowers." Cooperative Extention Service Fact Sheet 684: 1-8. University Of Maryland. 1 May 2007 .