
Whoever has grown a couple of of the assorted Celosias has certainly been charmed both by their magnificence or their fantasy of kind. Celosias are generally confused with Amaranthus, which, nevertheless, is coarser and of which the colours should not so clear.
THE SORTS To GROW. Cockscomb, C. cristata (C. coccinea). This species has big, laterally flattened heads, which in lots of instances actually counsel the comb of an enormous chanticleer. The colours vary from crimson to golden yellow. Some crops usually develop 2 ft tall whereas others are solely 8 inches in top.
Feather Cockscomb, C. argenlea (C. plumosa). The heads resemble ostrich plumes of shining, silky texture. These of some kinds are a transparent, sensible pink or crimson; others are like feathers of pure gold. The most effective kinds are the Thompson hybrids and the Delight of Fortress Gould. The crops when given area to develop will develop 2 1/2 ft to 4 ft tall.
Woolflower (C. childsi). Of quite latest growth, the Woolflower is considerably just like the Feather Cockscomb besides that the flower heads kind globular crimson or orange lots resembling balls of woolen yarn or silk thread. The crops begin to bloom when solely a number of inches tall. Then branches develop, every tipped with a flower usually from 4 inches to six inches in diameter.
The place to Plant. Big lots of Celosias are showy in any annual border. The dwarfer kinds could also be used to edge the taller Celosias or different annuals. The heads could also be minimize and saved in water for weeks. Some individuals use them as eternal flowers and preserve them of their rooms all Winter. The wavy, plumy lots of the Feather Cockscombs are magnificent when nicely grown.
GENERAL. Sow the seeds both in a hotbed or window in March or April, or else sow within the open floor in Could. Good soil ought to be utilized in planting Celosias for, not like Amaranths, they reply to feeding. Farmers’ Bulletin notes that transplanting into wealthy soil because the combs start to kind, makes the flower heads bigger. The crops of the bigger rising Feather Cockscombs ought to stand no less than 2 ft aside. In some greenhouse these are grown as pot crops, during which tradition they need to be grown in a heat home.
CELOSIA Cockscomb
(Title derived from kelos.,-burned, referring to the colour and-.character of the flowers)
