Celosia plants are anything but ordinary or subtle. Belonging to the Amaranth family, celosias are easy-to-grow summer annuals famous for their vibrant, neon-colored, feathery flower heads. They can be mass-planted along borders, scattered throughout gardens for a burst of color, or grown in pots. Celosia thrives in warm climates, making it a perfect addition to the summer garden. These plants require plenty of sunlight, well-draining soil, and consistent watering to stay healthy. To help you care for celosia in your garden, we consulted with experts who shared essential tips on how to grow and maintain these stunning plants.
How to Plant Celosia
Celosias are typically grown as annuals but can be grown as tender perennials in zones 10 to 11. They are widely available at plant stores and garden centers during the summer. Before purchasing, inspect the container to ensure the roots aren’t growing out of the bottom, as root-bound plants can struggle after transplanting.
- Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and as deep as the plant’s root system.
- Remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole, spacing plants 6 to 18 inches apart, depending on the variety.
- Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.
Starting Celosia Seeds Indoors
You can also start celosia seeds indoors to get a jump on the growing season. “Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost or directly outdoors after the frost,” advises Carrie Spoonemore, co-creator of the From Seed to Spoon app by Park Seed. “Celosia seeds are tiny, so handle them with care.”
- Fill small pots or seed-starting trays with seed-starting mix.
- Sow each seed 1/4 inch deep, as they need light to germinate.
- Water well, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Cover the pots or trays with a plastic cover.
- Keep the seeds in a warm area with indirect sunlight or under grow lights.
- Once the seeds germinate (7 to 10 days), remove the cover.
How to Care for Celosia
Celosias are summer annuals that require plenty of sunlight and warm soil to thrive.
Light
Celosia grows best in locations that receive six to eight hours of full sun daily.
Soil
Use well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, such as compost, for optimal growth.
Water
Celosia prefers consistently moist soil but doesn’t tolerate waterlogged conditions. “Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, usually every few days,” recommends Spoonemore.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
As celosia blooms fade, remove them using clean scissors or pruners. This process, known as deadheading, encourages more blooms. “Deadhead by pinching off the flowers just above the first set of leaves,” suggests Spoonemore.
Types of Celosia Plants
Celosia includes a diverse group of plants, but three main types are commonly grown as ornamentals. Although they share similarities, each has unique characteristics, explains Nancy Trautz-Awot, horticulture specialist at Burpee Gardening.
Celosia Plumosa
Also known as plumed celosia, this variety features compact, upright feathery blooms with a flame-like appearance. It’s the most popular type, says Nicole Shah, gardening expert and co-founder of Garden Girls.
Celosia Cristata
Known as cockscomb, this type features compressed, unusually shaped blooms resembling tropical coral. The flowers can grow so large and heavy that they may require staking, notes Trautz-Awot.
Celosia Spicata
Featuring a single flower stalk that resembles wheat, this variety is often called wheat celosia. Wheat cultivars usually have a more limited color palette compared to plumed and cockscomb varieties.
