Terra cotta pot with Celosia Orient
Orient
A pair of Orient
Orient
Terra cotta pot with Celosia Orient
Orient
A pair of Orient
Orient

Celosia Seeds,
Orient #2 Dwarf Cockscomb

4.85 ReviewsSKU: #FL639Min. seed count: 50
Price
Regular price $3.50
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $3.50
Save $-3.50
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Description

This super-compact dwarf cockscomb features massive, lipstick-red crests. The tidy, busy plants average just 6 inches tall and bear impressive tightly woven and wrinkled heads, about 8 inches (or more) across. This is the perfect bedding cockscomb, but it is also ideal in pots, window boxes, and other compact spaces. It looks stunning planted en masse or in the foreground of a mixed planting. The edible flowers make a lovely tea.

Growing Tips: 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
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
14–21
Days to Maturity
90–100
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
6–8 in.
Ideal Temperature
60–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Sow Orient #2 in place after your last frost, or start it indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost and move plants out when the weather settles. Cover the seed lightly in fine, moist soil and keep it warm, 65-70°F, for the 14 to 21 days it takes to germinate. Space the compact plants 6 to 8 inches apart in full sun; blooms follow in about 90 to 100 days.

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

Just how compact is Orient #2?

The tidy plants average just 6 inches tall, yet they bear tightly woven, wrinkled, lipstick-red crests about 8 inches across or more.

Will it grow in pots and window boxes?

Yes. It is the perfect bedding cockscomb and is also ideal in pots, window boxes, and other compact spaces, whether planted en masse or in the foreground of a mixed planting.

Can the flowers be used in the kitchen?

The edible flowers make a lovely tea.
FREE SHIPPING IN THE U.S.A.
Alternate domestic shipping options available at checkout.
You may also like