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| Celosia | Common name; Cockscomb |
A half hardy annual that is best suited to growing in pots under glass.
It can be grown outdoors in sheltered sunny borders in the warmer parts of the UK.
When grown under glass the plants require regular watering, good ventilation and a maximum temperature of 16°C (60°F)
The plumed or crested flower heads (depending upon variety) appear from July to October.
Week 6; Sow seeds in trays or pots of seed compost and germinate at a temperature of 18°-20°C (65°-68°F)
Germination should take around four or five days.
Week 8; If seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into 50mm (2") cells or boxes of potting compost and grow on at a temperature of around 16°C (60°F).
Week 10; If planning on growing out doors, gradually reduce the temperature to harden the plant off.
Week 14-16; Pot up seedlings into 70mm (3") pots of potting compost.
Week 22; Plant out 250-300mm (10"-12") when all fear of frost has past.
Pot on plants to be grown under glass into 150mm (6") pots filled with good potting compost ( Ji2)
Spray plant foliage regularly to encourage flowering, particularly in very warm weather
Week 24; Commence a fortnightly liquid feeding programme.
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