Celosia one of the best annuals for summer color in Treasure Coast gardens

Dear Carol,

Celosia, guess these are not for us.  We bought three and planted them in the middle of February and covered them with plastic bags when it was cold at night. They seemed to perk up with sun, but just yesterday, we had to pull them out. Can you recommend plants with color for our landscape?

Thank you,

—Johanna, Port St Lucie

A: Celosia is an annual which means it typically grows from seed to seed in one year or growing season. The leaf color is either dark green or occasionally purple.

Celosia flowers are the star, each branch ends in a knob or knot of velvety flowers which resemble a ruffled petticoat or brains. Individual flowers are small, without petals, but are massed together to form the showy inflorescence. The colors of the flowers are bright, very flashy in shades and combinations of red, pink, yellow, cream, rose, magenta and orange. Other types of Celosia have flowers that form jewel-tone plumes and dazzling spikes.

The name Celosia is derived from Greek and roughly translates to “burning,” a reference to the brilliantly colored flower spikes.

Celosia has been in cultivation since the 18th century and has been mentioned in Chinese herbals as treatment for various ailments. Celosia belongs to the Amaranth family and produces a astounding array of beautiful flower spikes whenever the weather is warm. This is one of the best annuals to provide summer color in the Treasure Coast garden or landscape.

Use Celosia as a bedding plant, in the cutting garden and in containers. Celosia produces the best, biggest flowers when seeds are directly sown, and the plants allowed to grow without disturbances to the roots. Space plants 10 to 14 inches apart depending on cultivar.

There are tall growing varieties great for cutting and dwarf varieties which are good for planting in the landscape.

The best time to plant Celosia along the Treasure Coast is April through November. Be sure to protect the seedlings and plants from frost. Mulch well to suppress weeds and moderate the temperature around the roots. Fertilize the plants regularly with a balanced, slow-release product, Celosia responds well to fertile, moist growing conditions. Occasionally, mites and leaf spot can cause problems for Celosia.

Johanna, give Celosia another chance. Plant it as the weather warms. It is a fun flower for children’s gardens because they love the fuzzy, fantastical flowers. Use the cut blooms in vases and give a few to a neighbor or someone confined to the indoors.

Carol Cloud Bailey is a Landscape Counselor & Horticulturist. Send questions to carol@yard-doc.com or visit www.yard-doc.com for more information.