Celosia plants are scientifically called Celosia argentea. They belong to the Amaranthaceae family and come under the Celosia genus.
Celosia is also called wool flowers commonly. These plants are both annuals and perennial ornamentals. They come in an enormous variety of flower colors such as Red, pink, orange, yellow, and white.
Celosia plants originate from South America, Central America, Asia, Africa. These plants mainly grow in USDA hardiness zones of 9 to 11.
The plants are edible and taste just like spinach as they contain minerals and vitamins as available in deep green leafy vegetables.
The taste of the leaves are tasty when they are young, but eventually as they mature and start blooming the taste tends to be bitter.
However you can even grow these plants without having the flowers to reap the nutritional benefits, but you will lose the beauty of these plants if there is no flower blooming from the plant.
The showiness and color of flower shapes defies all notions of subtlety. A wide variety of colors will be available to choose from, as well as shapes reminiscent of candle flames, coral, and brains.
Celosia plants can be grown both indoors and outdoors as per your convenience.
Celosia plants can be grown both indoors and outdoors as per your convenience. Click To TweetVariety
There are around three types of Celosia plants that are mainly used for growing. These are cockscomb, wheat, and plumed celosia.
All these three have similar basic requirements for their growth but they differ in their appearances and each of these has various other selections of different colors.
So let’s have a look at all these varieties and their significance if any.
Cockscomb Celosia
The scientific name of cockscomb is Celosia argentea var. Cristata. The blooms of this variety are large and broad in shape. They have vibrant flowers that somewhat look like coral.
They require some staking for their support as they possess heavy flowers. Due to this they easily grab the attention of any one and will be a great center point in your garden as well.
Some of the selection of this variety have been discussed below.
Gypsy Queen
This is characterized by a dark maroon bold and large flower and it is so wide that it looks like a fan. The flower color is so vibrant that it attracts visitors’ eyes.
Due to its stunning color it covers the foliage and hence becomes an ornamental showstopper in your garden.
It grows upto a height of 8 to 12 inches and the blooming occurs in around late summer to autumn season. They are great for container gardens and can also be used as cut flowers due to their beauty.
Red Velvet
This variety is characterized by its bright crimson colored large flowers. These flowers are a great option for centerpieces for annual displays.
These plants usually grow upto a height of 3 to 4 feet and are quite taller than other varieties. They can be a good companion for other cultivars to grow.
They can be a good choice for container gardens as well as in your backyard or front yard garden.
Fan Dance Scarlet
The appearance of this variety is a bit more restricted than that of other celosia plants. Their appearance and color is not so intense.
It grows up to a height of 3 feet and is best for planting in yards. They have strong stems and don’t require any support. This variety can even withstand hot and dry climatic conditions.
King Coral
If you are someone who loves a cool purple color then this variety will be your absolute favorite. This celosia plant produces beautiful purple color flowers that are large enough and somewhat resemble a human brain.
The plant grows up to a height of ten inches and the flowers grow in diameter about 12 inches. These are best when planted in masses rather than in rows.
Crested Armor
If you want to make your garden colorful and vibrant looking then this crested armor celosia plant is definitely for you. This variety has various combinations of color palette that you can choose from.
Colors of red, purple, yellow, and orange combine with perfect harmony to produce the ‘Crested Armor’ cultivar, which makes an eye-catching display.
The plant grows up to a height of 12 to 16 inches and is a great option for bedding plants in your garden. The variety grows well in hot climates as well.
Wheat-Type Celosia
As compared to other two varieties i.e. Cockscomb and plumed types, wheat type celosia has less options of selections to choose from.
However they have beautiful colors that definitely make your garden look colorful. They grow a little longer as compared to the other two varieties and hence will stay in your garden for more time.
Plants of the ‘Asian Garden’ cultivar are excellent choices for lining a driveway or sidewalk with flowers. Click To TweetAsian Garden
Plants of the ‘Asian Garden’ cultivar are excellent choices for lining a driveway or sidewalk with flowers.
These are quite taller and grow up to a height of 3 feet and above. They have beautiful purple color foliage and look great in cooler climates.
The cultivar is a great option for cutting gardens and also for dried flowers.
Forest Fire
The ‘Forest Fire’ is a beautiful red type of selection that could be a bit less significant in its height, reaching up to thirty inches. It tends to develop yellowish-green leaves that distinguish delightfully with the flowers.
Flamingo
This selection is somewhat shorter than other wheat type plants. The shape of the flowers look exactly like a flamingo and hence the name.
The flowers of the plant react to intense heat by turning to reminder white before converting into another spherical of violet color because the fall takes over the summer. They are good option for cutting flowers as well.
Plumed-Type Celosia
Arrabona Red
This plumed type celosia is a dwarf selection that produces sturdy and durable plants that reach a height of approximately sixteen inches, and contains a placing and unforgettable impact on the viewer.
The beautiful shade of red and orange is quite tough to forget! And it’s wonderful for drought-prone and hot climates. These are great options for cut flowers, and as bedding and border plants as well.
Fresh Look
If you want a lot of real red, then you should strive for the ‘Fresh Look Red’ selection. These seem to be a touch bushier than the ‘Arrabona’ and have a richer color, however they can reach an identical height of about sixteen inches.
Plumed Castle
This selection is quite shorter in height but has a variety of colors to select from. They grow up to a height of 6 inches.
Growing and Caring Guide
Relatively temperamental once full-grown from seed, within the outdoors most Celosia survives and thrives by manufacturing loads of seeds to effectively beat lower germination rates. In indoor environments, they’ll be over fastidious regarding the conditions they’re full-grown in.
Start yours inside regarding four weeks before the last frost date, as a result of these seedlings square measure terribly sensitive to cold.
Celosia seeds don’t want lightweight germination and will be placed underneath a decent quarter-inch of soil. The soil ought to be systematically damp however ne’er saturated; you’ll be able to get around this quandary by employing a greenhouse cowl over your seed receptacle.
Most trays square measure sold with one in all these, however a chunk of wrapper works in an exceedingly pinch. If these seedlings are allowed to dry out they’ll die quickly, therefore keep that soil damp.
Soil
Celosia grows well in nutrient rich soil that is a little acidic in nature. The soil should be well draining in order to prevent fungal infections.
Light
The celosia plants require at least eight hours of full Sunlight for better growth and blooming. However they can tolerate little shade but too much of it will lead to many fungal infections.
Water
Regular watering is required for these plants to grow well. They thrive well in moist soil conditions but it should not be wet.
Temperature and Humidity
Celosia plants grow well in warmer climatic conditions. However they can be grown as annuals and perennials both if provided proper care. They can even tolerate low as well as dry humid conditions.
Fertilizer
As they require nutrient rich soil, so a good amount of mixing compost to the soil will enhance the nutrients availability to the plant.
Conclusion
As you have read so far, you must have got an idea on different varieties of the Celosia plants available and you can choose from.
If proper care is given these plants are great options for cut flowers and they can enhance the beauty of your garden as well.
You can definitely follow this guide to choose your favorite cultivar and grow them in your garden.
