Celosia Cristata

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Amaranthaceae

Order

Caryophyllales

Genus

Celosia

Species

silvery

Description

An annual ornamental herb with vigorous growth and an upright habit; from late spring to the end of summer, it produces striking, showy panicle-shaped inflorescences, resembling feathers in warm, attractive colours, which are highly attractive to pollinating insects. Due to its growth and flowering characteristics, it is considered an ideal plant for landscaping in flowerbeds, including those along roadsides, either as single plants or in combinations with other species or varieties of differing heights and flower colours, in order to create visual interest and ensure continuous flowering over the course of several months; It is also suitable for enhancing terraces and balconies in pots and planters.

Variety description

Celosia cristata has fan-shaped inflorescences that are more or less crested, either open or closed, and grows with medium vigour, forming a rounded shape thanks to its excellent branching. It flowers uniformly and early, with colours that remain bright and never fade. It is highly heat-tolerant. It flowers for 3–4 months, with colours that do not fade even in the hottest weather. In a greenhouse, it requires high temperatures at the start of cultivation, above 15°C.

Curiosities and special features

The genus name, Celosia, derives from the Greek word *keleos*, meaning ‘to burn’, in reference to the flowers’ warm, vibrant colours, whilst the term ‘argentea’ refers to the species’ shiny bracts and tepals.

The inflorescence, when cut and hung up to dry, retains its attractive colour and can be used in dried flower arrangements. In Central and West Africa and in Asia, some non-ornamental varieties of Celosia are a traditional vegetable; their leaves are harvested when the plant is young, before it flowers, to be boiled or steamed and eaten as a side dish or combined with other vegetables in soups and stews.

Origin and distribution

Native to India and Nepal, and now widespread throughout Africa, Asia and Central and South America, it was introduced to Europe in the mid-19th century as an ornamental plant; its botanical name is attributed to the botanist and naturalist Carl von Linné.

Flower size

The individual flower, as part of the inflorescence, isof average size when compared with that of other varieties of celosia.

Leaf

The leaf has a lanceolate, oval blade with a sinuous appearance.

Flowering period

It flowers from late spring to late summer for a period of between 90 and 120 days; this information is particularly important when planning our garden, as it allows us to combine different species to achieve continuous flowering and harmonious colour combinations.

Inflorescence

A spike-like inflorescence typical of species belonging to the Amaranthaceae family.

Leaf colour

A solid colour, perfectly balanced with the vibrant hue of the flowers.

Plant height

The plant grows to a height of between 0.15 and 0.25 m, making it suitable for ornamental arrangements in which it can be combined with species of varying sizes.

Lifespan

An annual variety, used in flowerbeds and planters to provide elegant blooms in spring and summer.

Where to plant

Ideal for creating dramatic perspective effects in vases

Stem

It has a herbaceous stem and the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, medium-sized, with single-coloured petals. It grows in large spike-like inflorescences. It flowers from late spring to late summer, with a flowering period of between 90 and 120 days. It attracts bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

A variety characterised by a rounded growth habit.

Plant habit

Plant habit develops with an upright habit visually reinforced by the scenic Inflorescences rising above the foliage.

Branching

The moderate branching, combined with excellent branching out, gives the variety a dense canopy of foliage and flowers.

PH

Soil/medium pH for celosia is slightly acidic, with optimum values between 5.8 and 6.2.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting, lightly dig over the soil, removing any weeds, residues from previous crops, stones or large rocks, then work in some organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser and break up any compacted clods by hoeing. To ensure adequate drainage of any excess water, which could accumulate and cause harmful waterlogging, continue by creating a raised bed by mounding the soil, finally, add a layer of professional-grade growing medium to the surface to a depth of 5–10 cm and level it carefully.

Sun exposure

It grows well in partial shade or full sun, but at altitudes above 300 metres above sea level; it produces the best results in terms of growth and flowering when exposed to maximum light, provided it is watered adequately.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 22 °C. Its biological temperature range is between 6 and 34 °C, and it adapts well to hot summer climates.

It is not recommended for planting in flowerbeds during the first spring transplants as, having relatively high temperature requirements, it could be damaged by late cold spells which could halt its growth, possibly permanently; therefore it is recommended to transplant it in mid- to late spring when minimum temperatures are at least 14 °C.

Use

Its vigorous growth and spectacular inflorescences in bright colours make it ideal for use in areas such as:

Ornamental use

Hardiness

A variety ofmedium hardiness, it is suited to climatic conditions with hot summers.

Soil

Medium textured soil, Amended and well draining, is the best condition for proper growth of celosia in flowerbeds; for cultivation in pots or planters, use a spring planting medium containing peat and perlite.

Difficulty

It is fairly easy to grow, but requires a moderate level of care.

Growing tips

To achieve the best possible results in terms of growth and flowering, bear in mind the following variety-specific cultivation guidelines:

Plants will not flower in low light Expose the plant to as much light as possible

Combinations with other plants

It can be used in combination with other varieties of celosia or with various ornamental species such as Ageranthemum houstonianum, Begonia semperflorens, Ipomea xhybrida, Lobularia x hybrida, Salvia farinacea, Senecio cineraria and Tagetes patula.

Planting

For use in flowerbeds, an average planting density of16 plants per square metre is recommended to ensure the balanced growth of each individual plant, thereby achieving proportionate and balanced arrangements; as the stem of a young plant is tender, it is advisable to plant them in a raised bed with the root collar above ground level, taking care not to plant them too deeply and avoiding excessive compression of the root ball to prevent root damage. Finally, water immediately after planting, preferably in the morning.

Propagation

Propagation can be achieved by sowing seeds.

Watering

Watering, using either rainwater or, alternatively, mains water, can be carried out manually, using an overhead sprinkler system or by sub-irrigation, taking care to avoid water stress. In the early stages following transplanting, support the seedling so that it can develop its root system properly, maintaining constant moisture levels whilst ensuring that watering is not excessive, so as to avoid harmful waterlogging; subsequently, allow the soil or growing medium to dry out slightly between waterings, without, however, letting the plant wilt. It is advisable to water only after checking the soil, using balanced amounts of water, preferably in the morning.

Fertilising

Be mindful of any fertiliser deficiencies as, like water stress, these can impair the plant’s vegetative growth; specifically, a boron deficiency can cause leaf deformities, whilst a potassium deficiency leads to smaller, misshapen flower clusters.

It is advisable to apply a balanced fertiliser specifically formulated for flowering plants to the soil or growing medium, following the recommended doses and application frequencies as stated on the label of the product purchased.

Pet safety

No known toxicity following ingestion; assess on a case-by-case basis.

Edibility for humans

The ornamental varieties are not edible.

Toxicity for humans

An ornamental species; not edible. No known toxicity if ingested.

Tip

Do not plant it too early in spring, as it requires a warm, sheltered spot; it is sensitive to the cold and cannot tolerate minimum temperatures below 12–13°C. During the flowering period, apply a liquid fertiliser rich in phosphorus and potassium every 10–15 days. The flowers of crested celosia can be cut and used either fresh or dried to decorate the home.