Orange Queen Improved – Celosia Seed

New! Sturdy, uniform plants with strong stems.
2–7" densely folded orange combs make useful fresh or dried cut flowers. Very similar to the Chief Series in days to maturity, plant growth habit, and bloom size. Also known as cockscomb and crested cock’s comb. Ht. 36–40". Avg. 39,400 seeds/oz. Packet: 50 seeds.
DAYS TO GERMINATION:8-14 days at 70-80°F (21-27°C). Bottom-water or mist lightly to avoid displacing seeds and soil.

SOWING:Transplant (recommended) – Sow into 72-cell flats or preferred seedling container, 6-8 weeks before last frost. Light is required for germination; cover very lightly to hold seeds in place. Grow seedlings at 63-68°F (17-20°C). Harden off and transplant out after last frost. Direct seed – Only in locations with a long growing season. Sow 1/8" deep, after last frost. Pinching is recommended to encourage branching. Low temperatures and less than 12 hours of light can cause premature flowering.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:Sun.

PLANT HEIGHT:Varies.

PLANT SPACING:6-12".

HARDINESS ZONES:Annual.

STEM LENGTH:12-48" depending on variety.

VASE LIFE:7-14 days. Ideal storage temperature 36-41°F (2-5°C).

HARVEST:Celosia is exceptional as a cut flower and can be used both fresh and dried. Fresh – Harvest when the flowers are fully developed, and stems are firm at the base of the bloom. Dried – Harvest at the same stage of growth as you would for fresh flowers. Remove all the foliage and hang in a dark, well-ventilated location to dry.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:Well-drained, moist, fertile soil high in organic matter. pH of 6.0-7.0 preferred.

USES:Excellent cut flower, fresh or dried. Borders, beds, and containers.

Note: Pinching is not necessary for all species of Celosia but is still recommended to increase branching (the number of stems and flowers produced) and uniform flower size. Pinching is highly recommended for C. cristata and C. plumosa. To pinch, when plants are 6–12" tall, use your thumb and index finger or sterilized scissors to remove the growing point.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:Celosia spp.

ALTERNATE NAMES:Cockscomb, crested cock’s comb, prince of Wales feather, prince feather, wheat celosia, red fox