Celosia argentea, a celosia of many colors
Celosia argentea
- Exposure
- Sun
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11a (4.4°C ≤ T° < 7.2°C)
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Genus
- Celosia
- Species
- Celosia argentea
Other names:Amaranthus purpureus, Amaranthus cristatus, Amaranthus huttonii, Celosia aurea, Amaranthus pyramidalis, Celosia japonica, Celosia linearis, Celosia pyramidalis
Behind Celosia argentea's flamboyant feather-, cockscomb- or spike-shaped blossoms lies a veritable storehouse of vitamins and nutrients. While in Europe and America this member of the Amaranthaceae family is grown as an ornamental plant, in Africa it is a vegetable plant, prized for its edible leaves.
How to recognize Celosia (Celosia argentea)?
Celosia argentea is an annual herbaceous flowering plant. It averages between 20 and 80 centimetres in height, but some specimens exceed one metre. Its growth habit is bushy and upright.
The cylindrical stems branch. Glabrous, they are ridged and grooved.
The alternate, lanceolate leaves have wavy margins. They range in color from bright green to acid green.
Celosia argentea blooms in summer. The flowering period, which is very popular with bees and butterflies, lasts up to 12 weeks. Flower color varies according to variety and hybrid. Yellow, orange, white, red or purple, they are grouped together:
- In panicles Celosia plumosa) ;
- Spikes Celosia spicata);
- Cockscomb Celosia cristata).
Seeds are held in membranous capsules.
Is Celosia argentea toxic?
No, Celosia argentea is not a toxic plant. Quite the contrary, in fact! Its flowers and foliage are edible!
In Asia and many African countries, it is grown as a vegetable. When cooked, its leaves are reminiscent of the taste and texture of spinach.
Our care tips
Celosia argentea are not hardy. Make sure all risk of frost is eliminated before installing your plant outdoors. Outside tropical climates, you'll need to grow it as an annual and replant it every year.
Watering
Celosia argentea appreciate moderate, regular watering. Between two applications of water, leave the potting soil to dry out by two or three centimetres. Check this simply by touching the soil.
Always use water at room temperature to avoid thermal shock, which can damage the roots.
Be sure to remove any standing water in the saucer or planter.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the growth of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Celosia argentea are greedy plants. Use a flowering plant fertilizer to stimulate growth.
Prune
You can remove wilted flowers as they appear.
Pulling out
Gently remove the plant by pulling at the base of the stem. Then remove the remaining roots to aerate the soil and prevent disease.
Planting
Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. If planting several plants, space them at least 30 cm apart.
Plant your Celosia argentea. The top of the rootball should be level with the ground and the collar should not be buried. Fill in with a mixture of garden soil, potting soil and sand.
Water to encourage rooting.
Sowing
You can start seedlings indoors when the days get longer.
Fill cups with a light, well-draining potting soil, such as seedling and planting soil. Plant 2-3 seeds per pot and press them in 2 cm deep. Water lightly.
Place your seedlings under cover, indoors or in a greenhouse. What's best? A temperature of 18 to 22°C and plenty of light
Water regularly to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. You can also take your seedlings outside for a few hours a day, temperatures permitting, to get them used to the fresh air.
Frequently asked questions
Is celosia argentea a houseplant?
No. Celosia argentea is an outdoor plant. It doesn't do well in apartments, which are too dry and dark. Its indoor life is often limited. If you still want to give it a try, be sure to give it plenty of light andprotect it from draughts.
Is celosia argentea perennial?
Celosia argentea is an annual plant. It has a short life cycle, generally lasting less than a year. This is even truer outside its natural environment. In fact, the plant cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C and dies as soon as the first frost appears. However, in tropical climates, when conditions are optimal, celosia argentea can live for several years.
Can celosia be grown in pots?
Yes, you can grow celosia in a pot, tub or window box. Choose a perforated container to ensure good drainage and nutrient-rich soil. Adapt the size of your pot to the size of your plant (or vice versa) to give your Celosia argentea room to grow.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposure
- Sun
- Substrate
- Humus soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn potsIn tubsPlanter
- Categories
- HerbaceousFlowery
- Tags
- BeginnerFloweryCold-sensitive
- Origins
- West AfricaEast AfricaCentral Africa
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11a (4.4°C ≤ T° < 7.2°C)
- Leaf color
- Light green
- Flower colors
- WhiteRedRoseYellowOrangeFuchsiaVioletPale pinkPurpleLilac
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