If you're looking to add something different to your flower beds this year, look no further than colorful celosia. Celosia cristata, or celosia, gets its name from its resemblance to a chicken's comb or head, and its bright wavy flower heads attract attention whether placed in a garden border or in a vase.
The large, striking flowers come in white, yellow, purple, pink and red, making them perfect for gardeners looking for colorful and showy flower bed ideas this year. Native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas, celosia can be grown as an annual in most regions and is considered an easy-to-grow flowering annual.
Here we share expert advice on how to grow celosia, which produces an abundance of unique, velvety flowers that can be planted in flower beds or containers.
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How to grow celosia
Celosia is an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance flowering plant with large, impressive flowers. Perfect for gardeners looking for color, these vibrant flowers will add something unique to your flowering display this year.
Things to consider about celosia
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Celosia can be grown as an annual in most regions, blooming throughout spring and most of the summer, then wilting in the fall as temperatures begin to cool. In warmer regions, typically from U.S. hardiness zone 8 to U.S. hardiness zone 10 and above, celosia can be grown as a perennial and survives mild winters.
When considering how to grow celosia, celosia, like most other celosia plants, does not grow well in cool or shady areas. For best results, place celosia in a sunny, protected location.
Lorin Nielsen, director of horticulture at Epic Gardening, says celosia plants “do better when planted directly in garden beds where they have room to spread out.” “Celosia, which has coral- or brain-like flowers, can reach 32 inches in height,” Lorin added. So if a gardener is looking to grow this in a container, he added, “they may need something larger to allow room for development.” . ”
“These are full-sun, warmth-loving plants,” Lorin continues. “So temperatures above 60°F grow best.” Lorin says it's also important to remember that celosia is a tropical plant, so “it loves moisture and grows in humid areas.” he added.
“In very warm regions, it is best to plant in areas with afternoon shade, especially if grown in containers, as they can dry out quickly in dry locations.”
Lorin Nielsen
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Lorin Nielsen is the head gardener at Epic Gardening and its seed company, Botanical Interests. A California naturalist, lifelong horticulturist, and plant enthusiast, she is a self-proclaimed compost fanatic, avid gardener, and “plant mom” to several houseplants. She and the rest of her Epic Gardening team share a mission to teach the world to grow, and they love helping people discover their green thumb.
Celosia cristata 'Gypsy Queen' brightens the border with deep wine-red leaves and deep dark purplish-red flowers. The unmistakable crimson 6-inch crested flower heads attract attention and look great in garden borders or in vases.
Advice on growing celosia
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Soil: Celosia grows best in “well-drained, average-water-holding soil,” says Jason Reeves, a horticulturist at the University of Tennessee at Jackson Gardens. Consider combining nutrient-rich soil or using pre-prepared potting mix in containers to give your flowers a boost for the growing season. Light: “Celosia varieties typically grow best with at least six hours of sun,” adds Jason. Celosia is a tropical plant that loves sun and warmth, so we recommend finding a sunny spot near the border. Watering: Celosia plants can get thirsty during the growing season, so it's a good idea to monitor the soil regularly and water when the soil is dry to the touch. On the hottest days of summer, this can happen every day. Although these plants are native to tropical regions, they are usually found in humid, humid locations, so watering is important for successful celosia growth. Fertilization: He feeds the celosia plants with a balanced fertilizer once a month, using something like this plant feed from Walmart. Once established and growing well, switch to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer and feed your celosia and flowering plants once a month. Most annuals tend to require high levels of phosphorus, which is necessary for fast flower and fruit growth. Apply something like bone meal fertilizer sold at Walmart. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and dilute as necessary. Grow from seed: “After the danger of frost has passed, celosia can be sown directly where you want it to grow,” says Jason. “Direct sowing often produces stronger, healthier flowers, so this is the method preferred by most cut flower growers.” Growing in containers: Like other celosia species, the celosia plant grows in the garden. Prefers to grow in flower beds. However, some varieties, especially those with more compact forms such as 'Gypsy Queen', can be grown in containers using seeds available from Burpee. Larger, bushier varieties do well when grown in garden borders, such as 'Red Velvet Cake.' Seeds are available from Burpee and must be planted at the back of the bed. 
jason reeves
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Jason Reeves is a horticulturist at the University of Tennessee Garden School in Jackson. The mission of UT Gardens is to foster an appreciation for plants through horticultural exhibits, educational programs, and research.
FAQ
Can you grow celosia in a pot?
Yes, celosia plants can be grown in pots. However, because many varieties have a tall, bushy shape, they grow best when planted in garden borders. If you want to grow celosia in a pot, look for compact, short varieties. As with any potted plant, be sure to water and feed regularly throughout the spring and summer.
Growing celosia in your backyard is sure to add color and interest to your flower beds this year. Additionally, celosia makes beautiful cut flowers that can transform any home vase display.
To grow another tropical flower in your border, consider growing lantana, which produces bright, vibrant flowers that pollinators love.
