The Kurume Series Mix produces numerous colorful plume-like flower heads that measure 6-8 inches across, offering a vibrant combination of hues for any garden. This mix is ideal for garden beds, borders, and floral arrangements, thriving in sunny locations with its sturdy growth and bold presence. Perfect for creating stunning, eye-catching displays.
Celosia Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow Celosia seeds outdoors in late spring, after the last frost date, when soil temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Celosia thrives in warm weather and is frost-sensitive.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Celosia grows well in sandy, loamy, or rocky soils and tolerates low-nutrient conditions.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches and incorporate compost to improve fertility. Celosia prefers soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds on the soil surface and press them lightly to ensure good contact. Do not cover with soil, as Celosia seeds need light to germinate.
- Space seeds or thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart, depending on the variety.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate, which typically takes 10-15 days. Once established, Celosia is drought-tolerant but benefits from consistent moisture during dry periods.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start Celosia seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds on the soil surface and press gently to ensure contact. Do not bury seeds deeply.
- Mist the soil gently to keep it evenly moist without waterlogging.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 10-15 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and plants have at least 2-3 sets of true leaves. Space plants 6-12 inches apart, depending on the variety.
General Care Tips for Celosia
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for best growth. Celosia requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Watering: Water consistently during the growing season, especially in hot or dry conditions. Avoid overwatering, as Celosia prefers well-drained soil.
- Fertilizing: Enrich the soil with compost before planting. Apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season to encourage vigorous growth and abundant blooms.
- Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Trim back leggy plants to maintain a compact, bushy shape.
- Pest and Disease Control: Celosia is relatively pest- and disease-resistant. Proper spacing ensures good airflow, reducing the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
- Harvesting:
- For Flowers: Harvest blooms when they are fully open for fresh arrangements or when heads are dry for dried arrangements. Cut stems just above a leaf node to encourage further blooming.
- Storage: Store fresh flowers in a vase with water for up to a week. For dried flowers, hang stems upside down in a cool, well-ventilated area to preserve their color and texture.
