Cockscomb typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.
cockscomb
Celosia argentea var. cristata (Cristata Group)
Cockscomb (Celosia argentea var. cristata (Cristata Group)) is an amazing plant species that will brighten up any garden. It has beautiful velvety flowers that come in a wide range of bright and vibrant colors such as red, yellow, pink and white. The velvety flowers form on unusual crests that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter. Cockscomb is easy to grow and maintain, and tolerates both heat and drought. It's a great addition to borders and containers, and makes an ideal cut flower. A garden with cockscomb is sure to draw the eye and bring a smile to anyone's face.
Cycle:
Annual
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division
Hardiness Zone:
2 - 11
Flowers:
Orange, red, purple, yellow or pink Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Cockscomb (Celosia argentea var. cristata) requires moderate to heavy watering during the growing season. Water your cockscomb plants on a regular basis as soon as the soil starts to dry out. Aim to keep the soil moist, but never soggy or waterlogged. Water your cockscomb plants twice a week during the summer months and once a week when the temperatures begin to cool. Cockscomb plants also appreciate average humidity levels, so mist the plants regularly to increase the level of moisture around and on them.
sunlight
Cockscomb (Celosia argentea var. cristata) plants require full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight exposure each day to thrive. To ensure maximum growth and health, they should be planted in an area where they'll be exposed to direct sunlight most of the day, with some shade in the hottest parts of the afternoon. In USDA Hardiness Zones 9b to 11, cockscomb plants should be given full sun all day long; for those zones below 9b, partial shade is recommended during the hottest part of the day.
pruning
For cockscomb, pruning should be done once a year, typically in late spring or early summer. To prune, start by removing dead or discolored stems and leaves. Then, cut back any long stems to a length of 5 to 8 inches for bushier, fuller growth. If you notice any stems that are twiggy and thin, you should also trim them back to a size of 2 to 3 inches. and remove any damaged, weak, or deformed stems. Lastly, tidy up the plant's overall shape by trimming back any stems that are protruding beyond the main body of the plant.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Starts Flowering
Cockscomb typically starts flowering in late summer, usually in August or September.
Hardiness Map
FAQ
Is Cockscomb a hardy or delicate plant?
Cockscomb is a hardy plant that can typically withstand many weather conditions. It is native to Central America and the Caribbean and can survive in zones 9-11. It grows best in full sun, in well-draining soils and does not require frequent pruning or fertilization. It can tolerate mild drought, but not extended drought. In cold climates, it should be brought indoors or in heated greenhouses during the winter months.
Are Cockscomb flowers fragrant?
No, cockscomb flowers are not generally known as fragrant flowers. They are commonly used as a colorful ornamental flower mostly for their interesting shape and vivid colors. Cockscomb flowers are most often yellow, pink, purple, orange, and coral. The flowers are unique in that the shape of their petals resemble the head of a rooster, hence the name cockscomb.
Should Cockscomb plants be grown indoors or outdoors?
Cockscomb plants should be grown outdoors in a sunny spot with moist, well-draining soil. While they can tolerate some partial shade, they do best in at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Cockscomb plants can suffer from overwatering and may not thrive indoors due to lack of adequate light and air circulation, so growing them outdoors is the best option.
Could Cockscomb be used as a cut flower?
Yes, cockscomb can be used as a cut flower. Its beautiful and vibrant colors range from yellow to orange and red, and it works great in flower arrangements for any occasion. The bloom lasts for several days and can be easily dried for longer lasting decorations. Cockscomb is extremely easy to handle and arrange, and its unique crested shape stands out from the rest of the blooms it is paired with.
Is Cockscomb a perennial plant?
Yes, Cockscomb is a perennial plant, meaning it lives and grows year after year. It is a member of the amaranth family, and its flowers are pink and purple, with leaves typically in a triangular shape. The plant is often planted in beds and in containers to give it a fuller and richer look. When well cared for, Cockscomb will flower plentifully, usually in a warm summertime climate. As it is a perennial, it will continue to come up year after year as long as it's in optimal growing conditions.
Could Cockscomb be grown in a greenhouse?
Yes, Cockscomb can be grown in a greenhouse, provided the greenhouse conditions are suitable for the type of cockscomb being grown. The temperature needs to stay between 58°F-86°F, with a consistent supply of moisture. The greenhouse should provide partial shade, and it should be well ventilated. Additionally, cockscomb should be grown in a soil that is slightly acidic and drains well. If all of these conditions are met, cockscomb should thrive in a greenhouse environment.
Is Cockscomb a fast-growing plant?
Yes, cockscomb is a fast-growing plant. This plant typically grows quickly and can reach full maturity in just a few months. In ideal growing conditions, leaves and blooms may appear within weeks. During the bloom season, flowers last approximately four weeks and the clumps of foliage and flowers can reach 1 to 3 feet in height. Cockscomb is a perennial and may need cold protection to help it regrow each year.
Do Cockscomb plants spread quickly?
Yes, cockscomb plants can spread quickly due to their prolific seed production. The seeds blow around in the wind and land in favorable areas of soil and climate, resulting in new plants growing. Cockscomb plants also spread easily by multiplying vegetatively, sending out stems which root and become new plants. In warm, moist locations cockscomb can quickly become a problem plant due to its vigor and invasive growth.
