Mad Magenta Celosia on a white background.
A close up detailed view of a Mad Magenta Celosia head.
A smiling boy holding a pile of Mad Magenta Celosia heads against a grey background.
Mad Magenta Celosia growing in the gardens at Baker Creek.
Mad Magenta Celosia on a white background.
A close up detailed view of a Mad Magenta Celosia head.
A smiling boy holding a pile of Mad Magenta Celosia heads against a grey background.
Mad Magenta Celosia growing in the gardens at Baker Creek.

Celosia Seeds,
Mad Magenta Cockscomb

51 ReviewSKU: #FL1043Min. seed count: 35
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Description

Mad Magenta is pure garden whimsy—giant 12–16 inch, brain-like blooms in blazing magenta that steal the show. This compact celosia thrives in full sun and adds bold color to beds, borders, and bouquets. Bonus: the young leaves are edible, and the flowers can be brewed into tea or dried for natural dye. Wild, wonderful, and totally unforgettable.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Celosia argentea var. cristata
Life Cycle
Annual
Days to Germinate
8–14
Days to Maturity
90–120
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
6–12 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–80°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Direct sow after your last frost, or start indoors 4 to 6 weeks ahead of the last frost date and set plants out when frost has passed. Sow no deeper than 1/8 inch, pressing the seed into the surface and barely covering it, since the fine seed germinates best with light and should not be buried, and hold the soil at an ideal 70-80 F until sprouts appear in 8 to 14 days. Giant crested heads need air around them, so space plants at the wide end of the 6 to 12 inch range in full sun. They need 90 to 120 days to reach maturity and are not frost hardy.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Seeds germinate in 14-21 days.
  • Surface sow seeds and cover with a layer of soil, making sure that seeds are well covered, as light inhibits germination.
  • Direct sow in place after last frost or start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 65-70 F.

How to Grow

  • Celosia can handle a wide range of soil and they appreciate full sun.
  • Space 9-12 inches apart. Plants range in height from dwarf to 3.5 feet tall depending on variety.
  • While the plants are considered drought-tolerant, keep them well-watered during germination and establishment as water stress can cause premature blooming.
  • Cut flower growers should pinch the main growing stem when plants reach 12 inches tall to encourage multiple branching versus single chunky stems.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Typically pest-free, though aphids may be a problem but can be treated with organic insecticidal soap.
  • This warm weather-loving plant may suffer from botrytis and rot if consistently exposed to temperatures cooler than 60 F and high humidity. Space plants farther apart to promote better air circulation and do not plant too early when the weather is still cold.

How to Save Seeds

  • Flowers are mostly self-pollinating, but insects can cross-pollinate different varieties. In order to prevent errant insect pollination, separate different varieties by 1/4 mile.
  • Save seeds when flower heads have turned brown; just place heads in a paper bag and shake seeds free.
  • Keep seeds in a cool, dry dark place.
  • Seeds remain viable for 3-5 years when stored properly.

FAQ

What do Mad Magenta's blooms look like?

Giant 12 to 16 inch, brain-like crested heads in blazing magenta, pure garden whimsy.

How much room does a 12 to 16 inch head need?

More than the minimum. The spec range runs 6 to 12 inches; on a plant carrying crests this size take the 12, which also lands on the 9 to 12 inches celosia is normally given and keeps air moving around those dense, brain-like heads.

Is it good for anything besides looks?

The young leaves are edible and the flowers dry down into a natural dye. It is one of three big-crested cockscombs here sharing a 12 to 16 inch head and a 90 to 120 day season: Mad Magenta is the blazing magenta of the set, alongside Think Pink in bubblegum and Lightning Yellow in lemon.
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