Crested Cockscomb (Celosia Argentea Cristata Toreador) 250 seeds (#878)

Celosia cristata (Celosia in Greek means burning) is a member of the genus Celosia, and is commonly known as cockscomb, since the flower looks like the head on a rooster (cock). It is called Chi Kuan in China.
The plants are hardy and resistant to most diseases, and grow equally well indoors or out, though the perfect place is one with no shade and a well drained soil, as the plant is susceptible to fungal diseases.
The plant is used frequently as an ornamental plant indoors. Their leaves and flowers can be used as vegetables.
They are often grown as foods in India, Western Africa, and South America.
They are annual plants of tropical origin and are herbaceous meaning they lack a woody stem. They grow well in both humid and arid conditions, and their flowers can last for up to 8 weeks. The plant often grows up to 35 cm height. The leaves are green and the flowers are really amazing in shape and color.
The plants are hardy and can be grown easily from the seeds. Since the plants are of tropic origin, they thrive in areas with tropical climate. However, they can also be grown in summer months in the colder climate. The plants being annual plants, grow for only about one fourth of a year.
A soil temperature of about +15C is ideal for growth.
The plants are relatively easy to grow and care for having few insects that feed on them. Mites though are known to feed on the plants. The plants are also susceptible to leaf spotting, root rot and root strangulation. However the former two can be prevented by avoiding a damp soil and the latter by frequent weeding.
Information source: wikipedia.org.
Approximately 250-300 seeds in 0.3 g packet.

Genus - Celosia
Species - Argentea
Variety - Cristata Toreador
Common name - Crested Cockscomb
Pre-Treatment - Not-required
Hardiness zones - 3 - 10
Height - 0,20 - 0,35 m
Spread - 0,20 - 0,30 m
Plant type - Annual Flower
Exposure - Full Sun, partial shade
Growth rate - Fast
Soil PH - Mildly acidic to neutral (pH 6.1-7.5)
Soil type - High fertile, moist
Water requirements - Average, high
Landscape uses - Mass or group in beds, borders or cutting gardens. Good fresh cut or dried flower. Containers.
Bloom season - July - October
Leaf / Flower color - dark red / burgundy

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before the last frost. Cover them with soil, since light inhibits their germination.
Can also be sown outdoors after the last frost.
Germination temperature: +20-+22C. Days to emergence: 14 to 21.