Celosia argentea: Cockscomb, Plumed Cockscomb, Celosia

This Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ publication is part of a series originally written by Edward F. Gilman. Visit https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/ to learn more about creating and maintaining attractive landscapes that protect Florida's water resources and environment.

Introduction

Celosia (Celosia argentea), also commonly referred to as plumed cockscomb, is an herbaceous annual that is notable for its brightly colored and whimsical-looking terminal inflorescences. This plant has an upright growth habit and reaches a height of up to 2 feet and spread of 1 foot (Figure 1). Leaves are 1 to 3 inches long, and may be green, purple, or red depending on cultivar selection (Figure 2). The flowers are a terminal inflorescence and have various shapes depending on the cultivar group and may be yellow, orange, pink, purple, or red. Plants in the Childsii Group have a globose shaped inflorescence with numerous folds in the flower structure (Figure 3). Plants in the Cristata Group have a flattened flower structure with infoldings on the margins (Figure 4). Flowers of the Plumosa Group are feather-like in their structure (Figure 5). The Spicata Group has flowers which are singular and thinly shaped (Figure 6).

Celosia is well suited for a variety of uses in the landscape. It may be used as a border or edging in a landscape bed, used in container planters, makes a bold and colorful statement in mass plantings, may be used as dried cut flowers, and is attractive to pollinators. The young leaves and stems, as well as the flower buds of many varieties of this plant, are edible. Care should be taken to avoid eating any plants that may have been treated with chemicals.

General Information

Scientific name: Celosia argentea

Previous name(s): Celosia plumosa, Celosia spicata, Celosia cristata

Pronunciation: see-LOE-see-uh ar-gent-TEA-ah

Common name(s): celosia, cockscomb, plumed cockscomb

Family: Amaranthaceae

Plant type: annual

USDA hardiness zones: all zones (Figures 7 and 8)

Planting month for zone 7: Jun; Jul

Planting month for zone 8: May; Jun; Jul

Planting month for zone 9: Apr; May; Jun; Jul; Aug; Sep; Oct

Planting month for zones 10 and 11: Apr; May; Jun; Jul; Aug; Sep; Oct; Nov

Origin: not native to North America

Invasive potential: may self-seed each year; not known to be invasive

Uses: edging; mass planting; container or above-ground planter; dried cut flowers; attracts pollinators

Availability: generally available in many areas within its hardiness range

Description

Height: 6 inches to 2 feet

Spread: 6 inches to 1 foot

Plant habit: upright

Plant density: moderate

Growth rate: moderate

Texture: fine

Use and Management

Celosia should be planted in a full-sun location but will tolerate some shade. This plant is adaptable to soil conditions; however, high organic matter will increase plant vigor. Ensure young plants are not exposed to cold temperatures as this will cause premature blooming and disrupt the bloom cycle. To encourage fuller flowering and production of multiple inflorescences, pinch the first flower back when it first forms on the plumed and crested group cultivars. Celosia is very easy to grow and thrives in the heat.

Propagation is by seed. The heads may be larger if the seed is planted directly into the garden. If started indoors they germinate in one week at 70°F to 75°F. Plant indoors six weeks before the desired outdoor planting date. Seedlings should be grown warm and on the dry side.

Pests and Diseases

Pest issues include occasional mite damage and aphids. Minor disease issues include leaf spot.