- Celosia
Botanical name: celosia cristata
Beginner friendly?: yes
Average size at maturity: a foot and a half in height and one foot in width
Bloom time: summer and fall
Hardy zone: zones 9-11
Flower color: yellow/pink/orange/purple
Foliage color: green/purple/red
Growth rate: can reach fully mature size in a single growing season
Pruning instructions: deadhead and remove dead or dying foliage as needed
Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge
Landscape use: adding color to a flower garden
Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day
Special features: long lasting blooms
Watering instructions: allow soil to partially dry between watering sessions
Fertilizing instructions : use a high in nitrogen slow release liquid fertilizer once a month in the spring and summer
Best time to plant: spring
Best type of soil: loam, sand
Companion plants: zinnia, petunia, marigold
Toxicity level: potentially mildly toxic if ingested
Invasive species: no