The celosia flowers are commonly called woolflower, cockscomb, feathered amaranth and red fox. Celosia flowers are warm-weather flowering plants that thrive in hot, humid Mediterranean areas. The celosia flowers are commonly grown as annuals but can survive winters in United State Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. Some of the mature plant heights are generally between six inches and three feet, although it depends on the cultivar. The Celosias in the “Childsii” and “Cristata” groups have rounded flowers, why those in the “Plumosa” group have arrowhead-shaped flowers and also those in the “Spicata” group have bottle-brush type flowers. All these flowers are easy to care for as long as their soil and sunlight requirements are met.
The sunlight and drainage
This plant actually requires a
minimum of 8 hours of direct sunlight and soil that drains quickly. From my
little experience a poorly draining planting sites can cause them to develop
root rot. If you actually want to test how quickly the soil drains, you can remove
the top and bottom from a large coffee can and then dig a 4-inch-deep hole in
the soil the same circumference as the can, then insert the can into the hole. You
can fill the can with water and check the water level after 1 hour. If the
water level drops between two and five inches, it means the drainage is good. When
the water level drops less than two inches, it means the drainage is poor, in
this case perlite can be added along with soil amendments to improve the soil's
drainage or you can plant the celiosa flower in containers or raised beds.
Percentage of organic matter
and pH
This particular plant can grow in
nutrient-poor, sandy soil but it will thrive and bloom more profusely in soil
that contains high levels of organic matter. From my little experience a soil
pH level that is between 6 and 6.5 are best. In fall before you plant Celosia, make
sure you prepare the planting site by removing weeds and mixing organic matter
into the soil. Most time sandy loam soil are considered ideal for most annuals,
there is need to have organic matter mixed in each year to maintain consistency
and fertility levels. From my experience leaf mold, peat, well-aged cow manure
and compost are suitable soil amendments. It depends on how much organic matter
is already in the soil, you can spread a 3- to 6-inch layer of soil amendment
over the planting site and work it into the soil thoroughly to a depth of ten
to twelve inches. Also sulfur may be added to lower the pH and lime can be used
to raise the pH.
The Planting and watering
This flower can be planted in the
garden in the spring when temperatures will remain above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
This plant will be damaged if the temperature drops lower than that. After
planting them make sure you water them generously to settle the soil around the
roots. Also a three inch layer of organic mulch can be spread around them to
control weeds and also help maintain moisture levels. Make sure you water them
as often as necessary to keep the soil consistently moist.
The Fertilizing,
Pinching and Deadheading
Actually fertilizer may not be
necessary. Although if the plants seem to be growing slowly you can apply
water-soluble fertilizer with a 3-1-2 ratio every 2 weeks or you can use a
slow-release granular fertilizer. You can tie the flowers on taller cultivars
to stakes to keep them from falling over or pinch the stems back as they grow
to encourage a more bushy plant. You can use clippers sanitized with rubbing
alcohol to remove the flowers as they fade to promote more flowers.
Pests and Disease
control
This plant is not susceptible to
serious damage from insects or diseases. If the soil does not drain well your
plants may develop root rot, which appears in wilted or discolored leaves, try
and make sure you amend the soil with compost or sand before planting, or you
can dig in some organic matter around existing plants. Also fungal diseases like
molds or powdery mildew, turns leaves brown and may kill the plant, you can use
a commercial fungicide to remove damaged leaves to minimize the damage.
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