Annuals – 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