Celosia

These striking looking plants are surprisingly easy going and their fluffy flower heads will look good for weeks on end. Also known as feathery amaranth, their flowers will slowly fade to a fluffy seed head.

Your Celosia will be happiest outside in a sheltered position in full sun and can either be kept in a container or planted out into the ground. Celosia are not frost hardy and so are best treated as an annual in the UK. If planting out, choose a spot with moist well-drained soil and keep your plant well-watered whilst it is establishing.

If keeping your plant in a pot, it will need regular watering, especially in hot weather. Aim to keep the compost evenly moist but not wet, your Celosia will suffer if it is left sitting in waterlogged soil so be careful not to overwater. You can feed your plant with liquid fertiliser every couple of weeks while it is in flower, but this is not essential.

In the garden Celosia will die back in the winter but will often self-sow in the same spot for next year or you can collect the seeds in a paper envelope and save them to sow in the garden in the spring.

Problem Solving:

Celosia are pretty easy going but do try and keep the soil damp if keeping your plant in a pot. However, yellowing foliage or rotting stems are a sign that your Celosia is getting too much water. If you notice this, try moving it to a sunnier, airer position and allow the soil to dry out more before watering again.