Celosia Plumosa in 6″ Pot

An erect, bushy, fast-growing annual (short-lived perennial in USDA 10–11). Size varies by cultivar: dwarfs 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall; tall types 60–90 cm (2–3 ft) tall, 20–45 cm (8–18 in) wide. Stems are sturdy and branching, clothed with alternate, spear- to lance-shaped leaves (5–15 cm/2–6 in) that are bright green, sometimes bronze-red or purple-tinged. The showy “flowers” are dense, narrow-pyramidal plumes (4–25 cm/1.5–10 in) made of tiny, tightly packed true flowers and colorful bracts—shades of red, magenta, scarlet, orange, yellow, pink, cream. Blooms appear summer to frost (June–October), with a silky, almost artificial-looking texture. Small black seeds in capsules; leaves and young shoots are edible (cooked like spinach).

Quick care: full sun (≥6 hrs) for best color and branching; tolerates light shade. Needs humus-rich, moderately fertile, consistently moist but well-drained soil (loam/sand with organic matter; pH 6–8). Water regularly—keep soil evenly moist, not soggy; tolerates brief dry spells once established but wilts if too dry. Thrives in heat and humidity (18–27 °C/65–80 °F, can take hotter); frost-tender—damage below ∼10 °C/50 °F, die back at frost. Feed monthly (or every 2–4 weeks) with a balanced or bloom-boosting (higher P) fertilizer at half strength. Deadhead spent plumes to prolong bloom; pinch young plants at 15–20 cm (6–8 in) to encourage branching. Propagate by seed (start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after frost; light aids germination, 7–14 days at 22–27 °C/72–80 °F). Watch for root rot in poorly drained soil, powdery mildew, leaf spot; aphids/spider mites occasionally. Great for beds, borders, containers, and as fresh or dried cut flowers. Non-toxic to pets/people.