Celosia
Celosia argentea
Whether you grow the “plumed” type, which looks like big feathers, or the “crested” type, curled like the combs of a rooster, celosia adds bold color to beds or containers. The stems are good for cutting, too.
To start seeds indoors: Sow seeds 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date, barely covering them with medium. Keep the soil temperature at about 75°F. When seeds germinate (about 5 to 10 days), lower the temperature to 65° to 70°F. Feed 2-week-old seedlings with diluted fish emulsion and repeat 2 weeks later. Set out the seedlings 2 weeks after the last frost date; transplanting them sooner can hurt flowering later in the season.
Photo: (cc) Lali Thamba/Flickr
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