How to Grow a Celosia Flower

Celosias are annual flowers that add color to the garden from late spring until summer. The blooms are available in crests, plumes or spikes and come in many colors including red, yellow, pink and orange. Celosias range in height from 6 inches to 3 feet, depending upon the variety, and thrive with very little attention. They flower best in full sun and are tolerant of dry conditions. The seeds can be sown outdoors after soil temperatures reach at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Garden fork
Liquid fertilizer
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the growing site by removing all vegetation and loosening the top 3 to 4 inches of soil with a garden fork.
- 2
  Plant the seeds and cover with 1/2 inch of soil. Water carefully, until the soil is just moist enough to stick to your finger.
- 3
  Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- 4
  Thin the seedlings when the plants have two sets of leaves, leaving a space of 10 to 12 inches between each.
- 5
  Pull weeds from around celosia flowers as needed.
- 6
  Feed once every two weeks with liquid fertilizer. Apply fertilizer at the rate indicated on package instructions.
- 7
  Clip off faded blooms with pruning shears, unless you want the plants to self-seed.

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