Celosia spicata in the ground
Celosia spicata in pot
Celosia spicata flowers
Celosia spicata yellow
Celosia spicata bicolore
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
Celosia spicata, flamboyant spikes for a spicy garden
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
Scientific classification
Family
Amaranthaceae
Type
Celosia
Species
Celosia argentea
Other names:Celosia argentea var. spicata, Celosia argentea f. spicata
With its flamboyant, spike-like inflorescences, Celosia spicata likes to stand out from the crowd. Yet botanically speaking, it's simply a variation on celosia argentea, a plant of the Amaranthaceae family native to Africa.
How to recognize Celosia spicata?
Celosia spicata is an annual herbaceous flowering plant. It grows to between 10 and 70 cm tall, with an upright, bushy habit.
Its cylindrical stems are hairless and ridged. They bear lanceolate leaves with wavy edges. Their color varies from bright green to acid green, sometimes with silver or violet highlights.
The flowers are made up of tiny, downy blossoms packed together to form a cylindrical spike. They come in shades of violet, pink, orange or red. In the garden, it's a magnet for bees and butterflies. At home, its spikes are much appreciated for making fresh bouquets, which last several weeks, or for drying.
Is celosia (Celosia spicata) toxic?
Celosia spicata is not a toxic plant. Its foliage and flowers are even edible. In many African countries, such as Nigeria, the plant is cultivated for its nutritional value.
Our maintenance tips
Celosia spicata 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 spicata 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 spicata 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.
Plantation
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 spicata. 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.
Seedling
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
Celosia spicata 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 spicata can live for several years.
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 spicata room to grow.
No. Celosia spicata 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.
Diseases / Threats
Information
| Lifecycle | Annual |
| Foliage | Evergreen |
| Exposure | |
| Substrat | |
| Planting methods |
Open ground In pots In tubs Planter |
| Categories | |
| Tags |
Beginner Flowery Fritillary |
| Origins |
West Africa East Africa Central Africa |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 11a (4.4°C ≤ T° < 7.2°C) |
| Leaf color |
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| Flower colors |
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