Celosia

Celosia argentea

Growth Potential

Height: 1-3 feet | Width: 1-2 feet

Bold, fiery color that loves summer heat

Celosia is a heat-loving annual that keeps blooming through North Texas summers when many flowers give up. It comes in crested (cockscomb), feathery plume and wheat-style forms in hot reds, oranges, golds and pinks.

It is an easy way to add bold color from early summer into fall, and it makes a great cut flower too.

Celosia (Celosia argentea)

Best Area to Plant

Location:

  • Front of sunny flower beds
  • Colorful container plantings
  • Cutting gardens
  • Mixed with zinnias and marigolds for summer color

Placement:

Plant after the last frost in full sun, spaced 10 to 18 inches apart depending on the variety. It likes well-drained soil, so improve heavy clay with compost. Keep it away from spots that stay wet.

Care Instructions

  • Light:

    Requires full sun for the best color and sturdy stems.

  • Water:

    Water regularly while young, then moderately. It tolerates some dry spells but blooms best with steady watering during summer.

  • Maintenance:

    Low maintenance. Pinch young plants for fuller growth and remove spent blooms to keep flowers coming. It is an annual in North Texas and will not survive the first frost.