Planting and caring for Celosia, Plume, Burnt Creatures

Celosia argentea fascinate with their exotic appearance and special colors. The species known as silver smut belongs to the foxtail family (Amaranthaceae) which can be found in the tropics worldwide. With upright growth, the Celosia is a decorative summer flower for the garden, balcony boxes and pots from May. Whether in mixed plantings or as a solitaire, with Celosia you can quickly bring color into the arrangements. Also as a houseplant, Celosia can delight for a long time in mixed bowls or as a single specimen. It is important to know that Brandschopf is not hardyis. Therefore, they should only be planted out after the last night frosts. The original form had reddish to silver flowers, hence the name Silberbrandschopf. A variety of colors are available through breeding.

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Interesting facts about Celosia

Botanical name: Celosia argentea

Other names: Celosia, silver smut, plume, cockscomb, smut
Use: balcony plant, houseplant, for containers, borders, balconies, terraces or grave planting
Origin: tropical areas in Africa and America
Flower colors:

pink/pink, purple, white, yellow, orange, red

Special features: The plume-like flowers bloom for up to eight weeks. If possible, a location protected from rain is recommended.

In which location does the Celosia feel most comfortable?

The peculiarity prefers a sunny, warm and sheltered place. You should avoid blazing midday heat as it can quickly lead to burns. Also unfavorable are locations that are too shady and dry poorly. Native to the tropics, the plant prefers well-drained soil and adequate light. In the room, a seat near the window is recommended. Windows facing east or west are ideal. From mid-May, the plume feels at home outdoors. Planted in the garden, Celosias are not hardy, but they are fascinating plants with a unique long-distance effect until late summer.

How do I plant my Celosia correctly?

From April you can buy celosia. Planting out is only recommended after the last late frosts. If planted earlier, protection with fleece may be necessary if the night temperatures are low. Plumed Celosias are ideal for planting out in borders, window boxes and pots or in the cemetery. The flower is particularly effective in combination with green or in front of white walls. Celosia prefers a humus-rich soil that never tends to waterlogging, but can store water. Light sandy soil should be improved with compost or potting soil before planting. You can prepare heavy clay soils by adding sand. A pH of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal.

Planting Celosia:

• Before planting, loosen the soil thoroughly and remove all weeds.
• Water the celosia thoroughly and then remove the pot.
• When planting in the ground, the use of Kölle organic potting soil or Kölle’s best low-peat potting soil is recommended. This gives the silver fireman the ideal conditions and nutrients for the first few weeks.

When planting in pots, it is important that they have a water drainage hole and that there is a drainage layer on the bottom of the pot. Our gardening tip: without planting or repotting, the plume will only develop moderately. The plants are decorative in the culture pot, but need a larger volume of soil for further growth and flowering. It is therefore advisable to repot or plant out after purchase.

How do I water, fertilize and care for my Celosia properly?

Ensure an even water supply immediately after planting. It is important that there is never waterlogging, as the roots are sensitive to it. However, the balcony box, the bed or the pot must not dry out completely. The water requirement depends on the temperature, the radiation, the size of the plants and the volume of the soil. Basically Celosia tolerate dry phases rather than too much water. The decorative type is absolutely undemanding and easy to care for. In addition to need-based watering, fertilization is available from Junerecommended. The use of liquid fertilizer, which is mixed with the irrigation water every 2 weeks, is best suited. You can use long-term fertilizer sticks for individual pots. Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage reblooming. Another cut is not necessary.

What pests and diseases can Celosia get?

Silver smuts are hardy and not susceptible to pests and diseases. Problems can arise from a too humid location, drought or too low humidity.

gray mold

Unfavorable weather or weakened plants can lead to gray mold (Botrytis) in Celosia. The plants have a grayish-brown mycelium. Cut back the affected plants, dispose of the affected plant parts with the household waste and treat the plant with bio-active agents.

Are you looking for more information about pests and diseases or do you have questions about a plant problem? Our plant doctors will be happy to help you – in person and online!

FAQ — Frequently asked questions about Celosia

What is suitable for combining with Celosia?

All summer flowers that have similar demands on the sun, the soil and the water supply are ideal for the combination. Good partners are blue daisy, loyal to men, elfin spur, cap daisy or magic snow. The exotic plants can also be combined with structural plants, hardy plants or evergreen plants.

Are celosia poisonous?

Celosia is not poisonous and can be planted without hesitation.

Can the Celosia be kept as a houseplant?

The special feature can be in the house as a flowering houseplant for a few weeks. You should remove faded flowers regularly. However, the Brandschopf is not available as a long-lived houseplant.

Is the plume hardy?

The plant, which originates from the tropics, is not hardy. Low temperatures and humid conditions damage the special species. Hibernation is possible, requires a lot of finesse and is not really worth it.

How are Celosia propagated?

Hahnenkamm Celosia is propagated by sowing. It is important that the seed is sown indoors in early spring. As light germinators, Celosia seeds should not be covered and should always be kept evenly moist.

How long does the plume bloom?

The individual flowers are decorative on the plume between 6 and 8 weeks. Cutting back the faded flowers encourages reblooming.

How tall do celosia grow?

The growth height varies depending on the species. The commercially available cultivated forms are usually 20 to 30 cm high.

Are there special varieties of Celosia?

Breeding has resulted in special Federbusch varieties. The Celosia ‘Deep Purple®’ is particularly attractive. The variant has a color like no other, the purple of the Deep Purple is an attractive feast for the eyes that is eye-catching and distinctive.

Where can the Celosia stand in winter?

As a seasonal plant, the plume can be in the garden or on the balcony from May to September. The Celosia suffers at temperatures below 10 °C. For hibernation, the tuft of fire stands light at 15 to 18 °C.