Celosia can bloom from June until frost. During that time, deadheading your Celosia will encourage new blooms. Remove the flowers as they start to turn brown and lose color. If you wait too long after this point, seed development starts and the plant puts its energy into that rather than new blooms. Deadheading is not necessary in fall, as the plant is not likely to bloom again.

Celosia are perennials in USDA Zones 10 - 12, but grown as annuals in most parts of the United States. Once the growing season is over, outside of zones 10 - 12, your plant will not bloom again and will not survive the winter. You will need to replant the following year. You can cut your entire plant to the ground. In zones 10 - 12, your plant has a good chance of regrowing in the spring. Cut back flowers but allow the leaves to remain on the plant until they die back; the energy they create during late season photosynthesis is beneficial to the health of the plant.

The name Celosia is derived from the Greek kelos, "burnt," referring to the flowers' fiery colors and often flame-like shape. Although 50  -60 varieties exist, commonly planted varieties belong to two species, Celosia argentea and Celosia spicata. Two forms of C. argentea are popular: the Cristata varieties (cockscomb) bear rounded, crested flowerheads resembling enormous rooster combs or even cauliflower. Plumosa varieties feature erect, feather-like plumes. C. spicata, spiked cockscomb, is also known as wheat celosia for its narrow, spiky flower heads, reminiscent of heads of wheat. These plants produce numerous flowers, with an almost shrubby look.

Celosia make good cut or dried flowers. To dry, remove all the leaves from the stems and wrap a rubber band around 6-8 stems and hang them upside down from a coat hanger in a dark, cool, dry, airy space for several weeks or until fully dried. They will last in dried arrangements for at least six months without losing any of their vibrancy.

See our Guide to Growing Celosia for more information.

Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service