Celosia, also known as cockscomb, is a beautiful and easy to grow annual flower that thrives in hot, dry conditions. Growing celosia from seed is a great way to add unique texture and color to your garden. Here are some tips for successfully starting celosia from seed.
When to Plant Celosia Seeds
Celosia is very sensitive to frost and cold temperatures, so it’s important not to start seeds too early. Wait until 6-8 weeks before your average last spring frost date to sow celosia seeds indoors. You can also directly sow celosia seeds into the garden once temperatures are consistently above 60°F.
Celosia seeds need light to germinate, so don’t cover the seeds too deeply when planting Press the tiny seeds into the soil surface and lightly cover with a thin layer of vermiculite or seed starting mix to help retain moisture
Starting Celosia Seeds Indoors
For an early start begin celosia seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost. Fill small containers or seed starting trays with a seed starting mix. Gently press 1-2 seeds into the soil surface per cell or container. Lightly cover seeds with vermiculite or more seed starting mix.
Water lightly from the bottom to avoid displacing the tiny seeds Keep the seed starting mix moist but not saturated Maintain a soil temperature of 70-80°F for optimal germination,
Once seedlings emerge, move them to a sunny window or under grow lights. Thin seedlings to one per cell once the first true leaves appear. Harden off plants for 7-10 days before transplanting into the garden after danger of frost has passed.
Direct Sowing Celosia Outdoors
In areas with a long growing season, celosia can be directly sown into the garden once temperatures are consistently above 60°F and frost danger has passed. Prepare a seedbed in full sun with rich, well-draining soil. Gently press seeds into the soil surface 1/4-1/2 inch apart and 1/8 inch deep. Water gently to avoid washing seeds away.
Thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart once they are 2-3 inches tall. Pinching the tips of young plants will encourage bushy, branching growth. Stake or trellis taller varieties once plants reach 12-18 inches tall.
Growing Conditions for Celosia
Celosia thrives in full sun and tolerates dry, hot conditions very well. Plant in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer at planting time. Water young plants regularly until established, then reduce watering.
Pinch back young seedlings once they are 6-12 inches tall to encourage bushy growth. Taller varieties may need staking or support structures. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering.
Harvesting Celosia Flowers and Seeds
Harvest celosia flowers for bouquets when blooms are fully open by snipping stems just above leaf nodes. Strip most of the leaves from cut stems. Celosia flowers will last up to 2 weeks in the vase without preservatives.
To save celosia seeds, allow some blooms to fade completely on the plant. Seeds will form in the faded flower heads. Collect the dry seed heads and separate out the tiny seeds to store in an airtight container in a cool location.
With proper timing, consistent temperatures, and a little patience, growing celosia from seed is an easy and rewarding way to add unique beauty to your garden. The vibrant colors and funky flower shapes create eye-catching displays in beds, borders, and containers.
Step 3: Water from the bottom
Moisture encourages germination so water from the bottom, asthe photo above shows, or mist the mix with a spray bottle. That way you’ll avoid washing the tiny seeds away. Keep your tray of newly sown celosia at 70 to 80 degrees F. A heat mat can help ensure consistent temperatures. You should see growth in 10 to 15 days.
Step 1: Sow celosia seeds
Start celosia seeds 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date by filling small peat pots with premoistened seedstarting mix. Peat pots are nice because later, you won’t have to disturb the tender roots to transplant — just plant the pot and it will eventually decompose.
To give these tiny seeds the light they need to germinate, sow the seeds on the surface of seed-starting mix. I found it easy to pick up seeds on my fingertip and gently flick them onto the seed-starting mix.
Ultimate Guide: Planting Celosia Seeds for Summer Blooms
FAQ
How long does it take for celosia to grow from seed?
DAYS TO GERMINATION:
8-14 days at 70-80°F (21-27°C). Bottom water or mist lightly to avoid displacing seeds and soil.
Is celosia hard to germinate?
Since most of the Celosia varieties offered at garden centers will not grow tall enough for cut flower use, you’ll probably have to start your Celosia from seed. Thankfully, they are easy to grow from seed. Even if you are not able to start transplants indoors, you can still direct sow them in some climates.
Should you soak celosia seeds before planting?
Celosia seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing.
Where is the best place to plant celosia?
- Plant celosia in a garden area that receives full Sun
- Soil conditions are rich, moist, well draining organic soil
- Add organic matter such as compost if available and mix with existing soil
Can you grow Celosia from seed?
The seedlings can succumb to “damping-off” disease in cool moist conditions. Keep those babies warm! Since most of the Celosia varieties offered at garden centers will not grow tall enough for cut flower use, you’ll probably have to start your Celosia from seed. Thankfully, they are easy to grow from seed.
When should I plant Celosia seeds?
Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your Average Last Spring Frost. Be sure to keep them in a warm place as they are growing. They can be transplanted out after the threat of frost. The seeds can also be direct sowed into the garden well after the threat of frost has passed. Celosia will not germinate or grow well in cool weather.
Can Celosia grow in cold weather?
Celosia will not germinate or grow well in cool weather. Seeds are tiny and I recommend sowing them using the “toothpick method.” Pour the seeds into a container, lick the end of toothpick and use the toothpick to remove seeds one a time. Sow 1-2 seeds per cell.