Celosia spicata, flamboyant spikes for a spicy garden
Celosia spicata
- 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:Celosia argentea var. spicata, Celosia argentea f. spicata
With its flamboyant, spike-shaped inflorescences, Celosia spicata loves to stand out and make a statement. However, from a botanical standpoint, it is simply a variety of Celosia argentea, a plant in the Amaranthaceae family native to Africa.
How can you recognize Celosia spicata?
Celosia spicata is an annual, herbaceous flowering plant. It grows to a height of 10 to 70 cm and has an upright, bushy habit.
Its cylindrical stems are hairless and striated. They bear lanceolate leaves with wavy edges. Their color ranges from bright green to lime green, sometimes with silvery or purple hues.
The inflorescence consists of tiny, downy flowers packed tightly together to form a cylindrical spike. They come in shades of purple, pink, orange, or red. In the garden, it's a real magnet for bees and butterflies. At home, its spikes are highly prized for 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 care 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.
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 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.
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 spicata perennial?
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.
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 spicata room to grow.
Is celosia spicata a houseplant?
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
- 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
- RedRoseSalmonYellowOrangeFuchsiaVioletPale pinkPurpleLilac
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