Celosia belongs to the genus of the Amaranthaceae family. The name literally translates as "blazing." Indeed, the inflorescences of this plant resemble tongues of flame in various shades. There are approximately 60 species of celosia in the wild.
The plant can be either annual or perennial. In climates characterized by harsh winters, annual celosia is best grown, as it cannot tolerate sub-zero temperatures and dies.
Celosia has a straight, branched stem with ovate leaves. Small flowers are collected in spike-shaped panicles. The flowers come in warm shades: yellow, red, pink, orange, gold, and scarlet. After flowering, you can see the seeds collected in capsules.
Before planting, celosia seeds are soaked in a solution of Zircon or Epin for 4 hours. This procedure is essential, as each seed is enclosed in a tough seed coat that needs to be softened in water. Celosia: planting from seeds, when to plant? The optimal time for sowing seeds is late March or early April. Plant in small containers with nutritious soil on the surface of the substrate. The seeds should not be placed too close together, and they should not be covered with soil. Water them using a spray bottle. To maintain high soil moisture, cover the containers with plastic wrap and place them on a windowsill to receive sunlight. The first sprouts will appear in about a week.
After the seedlings emerge, transplant them and provide them with regular supplemental lighting. If the seedlings take root after transplanting, they can be fed with any general-purpose fertilizer.
Seedlings are transplanted into open ground when stable warm weather sets in and freezing night temperatures have passed. This is usually the second half or end of May. Do not add fresh organic fertilizer to the soil, as it is harmful to celosia. Since the seedlings are still quite fragile, they must be handled with extreme care. Low-growing celosia varieties should be planted about 15 cm apart, while taller varieties should be planted 30 cm apart.
The plant doesn't require much care, but there's an important rule to remember: constantly wet soil is detrimental to it. Watering should only be done on the driest and hottest days, when the leaves begin to wilt and droop. Regular weeding is also essential. Don't forget about feeding—celosia responds well to fertilizer.
If you want your garden to bloom all summer long, you need to know what flowers to plant. Read about it here.