Celosia comes from Asia. From there, it was transferred to Africa and South America. The species that grows in tropical areas is considered a weed. In Poland, its decorative qualities - colorful and variously shaped flowers - have been appreciated. Appreciated by gardeners, it has acquired numerous varieties. Celosia is grown in gardens as an exotic plant and in pots on the balcony and terrace. The celosia flower can create a rainbow in the garden. It is enough to plant several seedlings of this plant next to each other and care for it properly.
Celosia: characteristics
Celosia belongs to the amaranth family. Its name (celosia) comes from the Greek word "kileos" - fiery fiery. It refers to the red color of the flowers of this plant. Gardeners worked on creating Celosia hybrids and managed to create three base varieties.
Celosia - varieties:
- Silver celosia (Celosia argentea var. Argentea)- basic variety of celosia. It has raised and egg-shaped inflorescences,
- Pinnate celosia (Celosia argentea var. Plumosa)- its inflorescences reach a pyramidal shape. They come in a variety of colors: yellow, orange, pink, purple and red. It grows up to 30 centimeters in height. The plant is able to bloom from July to October,
- Crested or spiked celosia (Celosia argentea var. Cristata)- it is distinguished by cock-shaped inflorescences, which is why it is sometimes called so.Due to the appearance of flowers, they also commonly call her a grzebionatka. The stem grows up to 50 centimeters. Its intensely green leaves may take on a slightly purple color. The flowers can be red, yellow and orange. It also blooms from summer to fall.
More celosia varieties "plumosa" and "cristata" have already been bred. Their recognition is difficult because they differ in details. Hybrids can have a different shape and color of flowers, as well as a different height or purpose. Their stems can change color from green to red and purple.
Celosia: cultivation and requirements
Celosia needs a warm and sunny position for her growth. Alternatively, it could be a secluded partial shade. It does not tolerate drafts, so the place chosen for its cultivation should be sheltered from winds. The soil must be fertile, humus, light and well-drained. It should contain minerals. Celosia hates wet soils with stagnant water.Its base must be slightly moist, even dry for a short time.
Celosia - wintering:it can be put into the ground only after the last frost. Celosia comes from tropical regions, therefore it does not have developed frost resistance. It grows as a long-term celosia in Africa and Asia. In Poland, it is an annual plant or grown in greenhouses. Temperatures around 5 degrees Celsius negatively affect the plant.
Celosia - reproduction:owned seeds are sown in February and March in boxes in the greenhouse. They cannot be planted into the ground because they will be cold. For germination, they need a constant temperature ranging from 20 to 22 degrees Celsius. The crop can be gently sprinkled with water. It must not be watered heavily. In the prepared seedling, the growth of seedlings will be dense, so when they grow to five centimeters - they should be quizzed. In June, the tiny celosia may hit the ground. Flowering plants will be achieved after three months.
However, it is easier to buy a ready-made seedling of this plant. We are then sure about its appearance. The seeds may not repeat the characteristics of the mother plant.
Celosia: care
Celosia is a plant that requires careful care. It should be planted in nutrient-rich soil. In addition, it needs to be fertilized each week during flowering. The plant survives without fertilization better than if it had an excess of minerals. It should be watered regularly and the soil should not be allowed to dry out. Does not require pruning. After removing the overblown inflorescences, there will be room for the growth of other inflorescences and the flowering period will be extended.
Celosia can become infected with powdery mildew and leaf spotting. If we grow a plant in the garden, it is exposed to aphid infestation. Spider mites may appear on it in rooms.
Celosia: properties and application
Celosia flower is a decoration of numerous compositions in the floriculture industry. Its cut flowers can last up to three weeks. Also used as dried decorations, because the flowers do not lose their intense color. In decorations, celosia is used as a dried cut flower. They can be used to create bouquets and wreaths.
Celosia at home is a room plant, it can be grown in containers and pots kept indoors. It can also grow on balconies and terraces with plenty of sunlight. It is able to revive any crop. It grows well in the garden, on slight slopes. However, it is a sensitive plant, especially fond of secluded positions. He does not tolerate smoky and polluted areas, so he will die in the vicinity of roads or mines.
