Cockscomb Plants

Description

• The cockscomb is an erect plant that grows 1 to 3 feet high, depending on the species. Its leaves are oval-shaped with visible veins. Flower heads are feathery or mounded and resemble a rooster's comb. Hues of red, purple, gold, pink, yellow, orange and creamy white color the blooms.

Types

• Three categories and a variety of cockscomb cultivars exist. The widely available plume-type cockscomb is known botanically as Celosia argentea or C. plumosa. It has feathery foliage and includes Forest Fire Improved, Sparkler Mix, Apricot Brandy and Golden Triumph cultivars. Crested cockscomb (C. cristata) has a rounded, cauliflower-shaped flower head with unusual ridges. Cultivars in this group include the Chief Series, Jewel Box Mix and Toreador. The wheat-type cockscomb (C. spicata) features slender, shiny flower heads. Wheat cultivars include Flamingo Feather, Flamingo Purple and Ksomos Red.

Uses

• Cockscomb makes a striking display in beds and mixed borders. Cristata cultivars thrive in containers, and Plumosa and Spicata varieties work well for fresh flower arrangements. All types dry successfully. Preserve celosia by cutting the flower heads off before seed develops, removing the leaves and hanging the flowers upside down in a warm area with good air-circulation.

Growing Requirements

• Grow cockscomb in a full-sun location. As a warm-weather annual, the plant requires temperatures above 60 degrees. Celosia grown in cool weather experiences stunting, disease and premature flowering. Plant cockscomb in a rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.4. Water celosia when the soil surface dries. Drought causes poor flowering. Feed cockscomb every two weeks with a flower fertilizer. Propagate cockscomb by seed indoors four weeks before the last frost date or seed outdoors in the late spring and early summer. Misting tender seedlings often prevents drying.

Pests and Diseases

• The primary cockscomb pests are aphids. Treat aphids with a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap. Repeat the treatment as necessary. Various fungal diseases infect celosia, such as gray mold, damping off, stem rot, root rot and leaf spot. Keeping cockscomb foliage dry, clipping off spent flowers and foliage on a regular basis and promptly removing diseased plants prevents these infections.