For cut flower field production, pick a location with a rich, deep, loamy soil and at least 8 hours of sunlight. Spacing on 6-inch centers is necessary to produce plants with small heads, which may be desirable in some markets.Ĭelosia thrives in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.4. Spacing can also affect the final flower size. Wheat types should be planted 24 to 36 inches apart. Plume types should have at least 24 inches between plants. Crested types need at least 18 inches between plant centers. Spacing in the field depends on the type selected and whether single-stem or pinched-production is the management choice. Although Celosia is heat and drought tolerant, lack of steady moisture can stunt plants and promote premature flowering. After transplanting seedlings, make sure they receive one inch of water each week from either irrigation on rain. If they have been severely stunted, celosias will bloom prematurely with small flower heads and short stems. Once seedlings are potbound, they have been stunted and will never develop into full-sized plants. Do not hold plants in market packs or other growing containers. Transplant Celosia to the field when night (field) temperatures are consistently above 65 to 70 ☏ and plants are in the 2- to-4-leaf stage, approximately 4 weeks after sowing. A plant started in the greenhouse and transplanted to the field has a head start in competing with weeds. In general, field planted Celosia seed and weed seed germinate at the same time and create an undesirable, competitive environment. Sow or transplant Celosia in the field after the danger of frost has passed. Some growers plant Celosia directly into prepared field beds. Exposure to temperatures below 60 ☏ will stunt plants and cause premature flowering. Germinate Celosia seed at 65 to 70 ☏ at night and at 80 to 85 ☏ during the day. Lightly cover seed and place it under mist for 10 to 14 days until it germinates. Seed does not require light to germinate but must be lighted shortly after germinating to prevent plant stretching.Ĭare is needed to keep Celosia seed from drying out. Sow Celosia 4 weeks before the last frost date. If you start seeds indoors, plant them in individual cells or pots, not in flats. However, Celosia seedling roots are sensitive to transplanting. Celosia grows best when started in market packs or in trays in a greenhouse.

Some crested- and wheat-type varieties will reliably give back the characteristics of the parent plants when grown from seed, but many plume types will produce unpredictable shapes and colors.Ĭelosia seed is extremely small, and seedlings are vulnerable to damping-off. Many cut-flower growers collect seed for future production.

Burying them too deeply can cause stem rot, while not burying deep enough can cause the plants to dry out.Celosia is propagated from seed (43,000 seeds/ounce).

Plant your seedling in their permanent location, keeping the soil line at the same height.

Hardening off slowly and correctly is important, as changing conditions can stunt this plant’s growth. Make sure outdoor conditions are warm, and there's no chance of frost.

Once indoor seedlings are around a month old and have several sets of strong leaves, harden them off.

If in the garden, thin them out to around 10 inches apart.

Once the seedlings begin producing leaves true leaves (not the cotyledon, or first 'seed' leaves), thin out each plant to one per pot.

If kept indoors, they may require a grow light. Seedlings need 12 to 16 hours of light. Be sure the seedlings are in an area with abundant light.

Once seedlings appear, remove the plastic cover.

Seedlings should appear in one to two weeks. If so, air out the plants daily and mist the soil. A plastic cover may be used to retain moisture.

Very gently press the seeds into warm, moist, well-draining soil. The seeds need light to germinate, so don't cover with soil.The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.

Celosia flamingo flower