Growing and Caring for Celosia
Celosia is one of my favorite plants that I have worked with for many years. These tropical garden beauties look great planted in masses especially when the colors are mixed it gives a dazzling effect. A private club where I was employed many years ago used celosia in great abundance these plants were seen in many areas of the property painting the landscape and gardens with an array of colors. What I also love about these plants are feathery-like flowers which are so unique and can stand out in garden designs.
This shop stopper once installed will sure turn heads. The celosia goes by many common names such as Flamingo feather, wool flowers, and cockscomb flowers. The colors these flowers produce are pink, purple, red, yellow, white, and orange. If you want to learn more about these amazing plants then continue reading as we discussed how to successfully grow and care for celosia.
Planting Location
When planting celosia look for an area that gets lots of sunlight. Celosia loves the full sun and will bloom under these conditions.
Soil Type
Celosia will grow in sandy soils that are low in nutrients but dose better in soils that are rich in organics. The soil ph range for these plants is 6 and 6.5.
Watering Methods
Celosia does not like wet feet and will suffer from root rot if the soil is saturated. Once watered allow the soil to dry out somewhat before giving your celosia another drink.
Fertilizing Methods
Fertilizing once a month with a liquid feed nitrogen fertilizer will keep your celosia growing its best. Before applying fertilizers read and follow the manufactures label because the label is the law.
Garden insect pest of celosia
Celosia does not have any major pest problems except for spider mites and aphids.
- Spider Mites
- Aphids
To bring these garden insects best under control the use of a strong spray of water will help or applying insecticidal soap or neem oil will eliminate them also. Before applying insecticidal soap or neem oil read and follow the label as directed because the label is the law.
Diseases of celosia
Plant disease can really do a number on your garden plant life and celosia also have its share, keeping an eye out for fungal leaf spot and powdery mildew will have these garden beauties in tip-top shape.
- Fungal leaf spot
- Powdery Mildew
One of the main causes of plant disease is too much moisture but providing good cultural practices will help your celosia to stay clear of these diseases. When watering don’t allow the water to get on the flowers and the foliage, overhead irrigation is a BIG NO NO. Water should be applied at the ground or soil level, also ensure that the soil has good drainage so that once watered the water will drain through and not settle.
Where to install them
Here are just a few places to install celosia.
1. Celosia can be installed at the very front of a garden plant bed.
2. Install them in a circular pattern around medium tree trunks.
3. Plant your celosia along a garden walking pathway.
4. Install them in medium-size containers, mixing the colors will work wonders when installing in this fashion. Give some spacing for proper air circulation. These containers can be placed on either side of your door entrance or on your porch or patio provided they are getting sufficient sunlight.
Growing celosia in containers
A great way to grow these plants is with the help of container gardening. What I love about container gardening as I often mentioned is that with these types of gardens you have the advantage of moving your containers around especially under adverse weather conditions. When installing celosia in containers ensure that the containers have drain holes to allow excess water to drain.
The soil type should be soil that drains well but is rich in organic matter, when installing celosia give the proper spacing of about 2-3 inches. This spacing will not only allow your celosia room to grow but will provide good air circulation. As we have discussed also it is important that your celosia is placed in an area that gets full sunlight.
When watering your celosia give it a good soaking until the water comes out of the drain holes, and allow the soil to dry out somewhat before giving your celosia another drink. The use of a liquid feed fertilizer that has nitrogen will help your celosia to keep its beautiful bloom. Before applying fertilizers read and follow the manufactures label because the label is the law.
Growing celosia from seeds
Growing celosia from seeds is another great way to get a jump start just before spring arrives. Fill a seed tray with good potting soil, place your seeds in the tray and cover them with soil. Mist the soil just enough to wet or moisten it, and cover the seed tray with plastic wrap. Ensure that the soil is continually moist because this is a crucial time for your seeds to germinate.
If the soil is allowed to dry out your seeds will not germinate. The seed trays can be placed in an area where the temperature during the daytime is anywhere from 80-85 degrees and at nighttime 65-70 degrees. When the seeds have germinated and the plants have reached a height of 3 inches or a bit taller can be transplanted outdoors provided the soil is warmed up.
Deadheading Celosia
A great way to keep your celosia looking great is by deadheading the flowers that are spent. Removing these flowers by pinching or with a hand pruner will cause your celosia to put its energy into producing more flowers but in order for your celosia to produce a fresh burst of flowers, the spent flowers must be removed before they set seed.
Additional Information
1. The stems and the leaves are said to be edible.
2. What I found so amazing about celosia is that they are great at attracting wildlife such as butterflies. These plants will do great as a part of a butterfly garden.
3. It is believed that celosia is used for medical purposes to treat tapeworm, mouth sores, eye problems, and blood disease.
4. Celosia can grow from 6inches-2 ft tall.
5. Mulching your celosia with a 2-3 inch layer of mulch will not only enhance your plant bed as far as beauty is concerned but will keep the soil temperature just right for your celosia along while holding moister.
The final word
Celosias are pretty amazing and have a beauty that will dazzle and stand out in garden designs. I have worked with these plants for many years and have seen the transformation they bring. So for a garden that is eye-popping and unique giving that WOW I encourage you to give this plant a try. Trust me you will be glad that you did, celosia is one of my favorites, install them and you will see why.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.