“Um,” he started, “Wow! The flowers have a really unique appearance. Some resemble flames while others resemble coral.”

We provide links to assist you in discovering appropriate products. In case you purchase anything through our links, we may receive a commission. I pondered over it while narrowing my eyes. “I am not sure,” I said. The man’s face suddenly lit up, and he exclaimed, “Hold on! Don’t they resemble characters from a Dr. Seuss storybook?” My eyes widened with realization, and I responded excitedly, “Yes, they are Celosia flowers!”

I directed the shopper to the correct aisle and we quickly located the flowers he was after – he simply asked for the “Dr. Seuss flower” and anyone familiar with celosia would have recognized it immediately.

Here’s what you’ll learn about celosia:
– The basics of growing celosia, including the importance of good lighting and drainage
– How to troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the growing process
– Tips for starting celosia from seed
– The best cultivars to choose from, including cockscomb, wheat-type, and plumed-type celosia

– And finally, it’s time to get your gardening gloves on!

Celosia, also known as “woolflowers,” belong to the amaranth family and not only make for beautiful additions to your garden but are also edible, with a spinach-like taste. Additionally, celosia is a great source of minerals and vitamins commonly found in dark leafy greens.

Feasting on celosia leaves may seem like a good idea, but beware – they turn bitter once the plant blooms. And let’s be real, the main attraction of celosia is their eye-catching flowers. These flashy blooms come in all sorts of shapes and colors, from plumed candle flames to brain-like structures.
To ensure your celosia thrives, it needs lots of sun and good drainage. While it can tolerate partial sun, it will truly flourish in sunny and dry conditions. However, don’t neglect its soil and watering needs – they are just as important as sunlight for a healthy celosia.

Celosia plants require well-drained soil and dislike being over-watered. Watering them too much or planting them in clay-heavy soils can cause them to become limp and eventually die due to excess moisture. However, it’s important to keep these plants watered regularly, which can be a challenge when they’re grown in containers or raised beds. Striking a balance is key, but if they’re planted in good quality, well-drained soil, they will thrive with little help. A weekly inch of rain is the ideal amount for celosia plants to flourish, but they can tolerate less for brief periods.

Woolflowers are typically cultivated as a yearly plant, except for areas in zones 9 to 11 where they can survive for a couple of years as perennials, but not for much longer. Thankfully, woolflowers reproduce effortlessly and naturally! However, one thing to note is that if you let the flowers mature and seed themselves, you’ll have a plethora of woolflower offspring the following season. To prevent this, simply snip off the spent flower heads before they dry up and spread their seeds all over the place.

Celosia is a great choice for filling in areas that you want to keep low-maintenance and untouched, while woolflowers may not be the best option for more manicured areas due to their tendency to be untidy. However, woolflower cuttings can be easily dried and used as unique additions to dry flower arrangements. The best part about both of these plants is their ability to resist most pests and diseases, which makes them ideal for gardeners who want to avoid troublesome issues. While woolflowers may be susceptible to aphids, mites, powdery mildew, and fungal infections, proper watering practices can help prevent these problems from occurring.

To prevent top-heavy flowers from collapsing, tall celosia plants need stakes for support. It’s best to use a single large stake and tie individual stems to it rather than making a complicated fencing system. With proper care, celosia flowers will bloom from June to the first frost and beyond.

When it comes to starting celosia from seeds, it can be challenging. Outdoor celosia produces many seeds to overcome low germination rates, but indoor growing conditions can be finicky. Starting seeds four weeks before the last frost date is recommended since seedlings are sensitive to cold. The seeds don’t require light to germinate and should be buried under a quarter-inch of soil that’s consistently moist but not oversaturated. Using a greenhouse cover or plastic wrap can help maintain moisture levels. Remember to keep the soil moist as these seedlings will quickly die if they dry out.

Before transplanting these plants, ensure that there’s no risk of hard frost as they can suffer significant damage and may not recover. Wait until the weather is favorable, then plant them about eight inches apart. There are three types of celosia for cultivation: plumed, wheat, and cockscomb, each with distinct appearances but similar growing requirements. Cockscomb is notable for its broad, large coral-like blooms, which can be heavy and need staking. One cultivar, Gypsy Queen, has a striking maroon color that spreads to the foliage, making it a standout in any garden.

Introducing the ‘Gypsy Queen’ Cockscomb! This lovely plant can grow up to a height of 8-16 inches and blooms from late summer to autumn. It’s versatile and works great in containers and cut flower gardens. You can check it out now on Burpee! Another stunning cultivar to consider is the ‘Red Velvet’. Its bold crimson-colored flowers may look like they’re experiencing fasciation, but they’re just naturally beautiful. Plant it in your yard or containers for a pop of color.

Looking for a show-stopping addition to your garden? Look no further than the ‘Red Velvet’ cockscomb! This variety boasts large blooms and can reach an impressive height of 3-4 feet, making it an ideal centerpiece for any annual display. Plus, its height makes it an excellent choice to build your color palette around when selecting accompanying plants. Check out the ‘Red Velvet’ on Burpee today!
If you prefer a slightly more subdued appearance, consider the ‘Fan Dance Scarlet’ cockscomb. While still boasting the fan-shaped blooms characteristic of the cockscomb family, this variety has a slightly more restrained color and intensity.

Looking for a stunning addition to your garden beds that requires minimal maintenance? Look no further than the ‘Fan Dance Scarlet’ Cockscomb! These vibrant plants can grow up to three feet tall, making them a perfect choice for adding a bold splash of color to the rear of any flower bed. Plus, their sturdy stems mean you won’t need to worry about staking them. Best of all, this variety thrives in hot, dry conditions, so you won’t need to fuss over them too much. Ready to add some eye-catching color to your outdoor space? Check out the ‘Fan Dance Scarlet’ Cockscomb on Burpee today!
If you prefer purple-hued flowers that resemble coral, the ‘King Coral’ is the perfect choice for your garden. With its striking color, it’s sure to turn heads and make a statement wherever it’s planted.

The ‘King Coral’ Cockscomb is a stunning plant that may not grow tall, but boasts gigantic blooms that measure a whopping twelve inches in diameter! I’ve found that planting these in clusters rather than rows works best, and I recommend adding at least six of them to your garden beds for a real showstopper. Check it out now on Burpee! If you’re someone who loves variety, then try your luck with the ‘Crested Armor’ mix of seeds. Who knows what colors you’ll end up with?

The ‘Crested Armor’ Cockscomb is a species of Celosia flowers that comes in various colors, making it comparable to pansies. The color scheme of red, purple, yellow, and orange in this cultivar creates a visually pleasing explosion of colors that blend perfectly together. This variety can grow up to 12-16 inches high and is suitable for mass plantings as a bedding plant or for butterfly gardens. It’s an excellent option for hot climates and is available on True Leaf Market. The Wheat-Type Celosia has fewer selections than other types, but it’s still attractive, although limited in color range. Compared to cockscomb or plumed types, the wheat variety grows longer till fall. The ‘Asian Garden’ cultivar works best as a flower hedge to line a driveway or sidewalk. These flowers can bloom continuously throughout the season since early summer, as evidenced by a neighbor’s garden.

In cooler temperatures, the foliage of this cultivar changes to a beautiful shade of purple. It’s worth making some space for this plant, as it can grow up to three feet tall! This type is versatile and can be used for planting, cuttings, or as dried flowers. The ‘Forest Fire’ variety offers a gorgeous red color and grows up to 30 inches in height. Its yellowish-green leaves create a striking contrast with the vibrant flowers.