Lagos Spinach Celosia in a black vase with foliage on a white background.
A close-up macro view of Lagos Spinach Celosia.
A close-up of steamed Lagos Spinach Celosia leaves in a bowl surrounded by fresh leaves.
A gardener holding freshly harvested Lagos Spinach Celosia in the garden.
Bowls, vases and baskets full of Lagos Spinach Celosia leaves.
A zoomed in look at Lagos Spinach Celosia blooms and foliage in a vase against a light grey wall.
Lagos Spinach Celosia in a black vase with foliage on a white background.
A close-up macro view of Lagos Spinach Celosia.
A close-up of steamed Lagos Spinach Celosia leaves in a bowl surrounded by fresh leaves.
A gardener holding freshly harvested Lagos Spinach Celosia in the garden.
Bowls, vases and baskets full of Lagos Spinach Celosia leaves.
A zoomed in look at Lagos Spinach Celosia blooms and foliage in a vase against a light grey wall.

Celosia Seeds,
Lagos Spinach

3.45 ReviewsSKU: #FL455Min. seed count: 100
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Description

Also known as Lagos Spinach, this celosia is a super heat-tolerant and tasty green popular in many African countries, particularly Nigeria and Ghana. The leaves are a popular ingredient in soups and stews. Plants can be pinched back to remain tidy; left unpruned, the plants can reach over 6 feet tall. The tasty, nutritious leaves are high in protein. When cooked, this versatile and rugged leafy green is the perfect addition to your permaculture landscape or any garden needing a heat- and drought-tolerant leafy green for summer. Thanks to our friend Solomon Amuzu for introducing this amazing selection. (greens should be consumed cooked and not raw)

Growing Tips: Start indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting out after last frost, or sow seeds in place after frost. Cover lightly in fine, moist soil, and keep warm until germination. Grow plants in full sun. 

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Celosia argentea
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
Sprouts in: 14 - 21 days
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Ideal Temperature
65–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Start Lagos Spinach indoors 3 to 4 weeks before transplanting out after your last frost, or sow it in place once frost has passed. Cover the seed lightly in fine, moist soil and keep it warm at a germination temperature of 65-70°F; it sprouts in 14 to 21 days. This green is not frost hardy and rots in prolonged damp below 60°F, so wait until temperatures stay above that, and grow it in full sun.

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

How do I keep the plants from getting too big?

Pinch them back to keep them tidy. Left unpruned, the plants can reach over 6 feet tall.

How are Lagos Spinach leaves used?

They are a popular ingredient in soups and stews in many African countries, particularly Nigeria and Ghana. The greens should be consumed cooked and not raw.

How much room and sun does it need?

Grow it in full sun and space plants 9 to 12 inches apart. It is a super heat-tolerant green, well suited to a permaculture landscape or any garden that needs a heat- and drought-tolerant leafy green for summer.
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