Celosia, planting and care

Plant transplant in open ground

It is best to replant seedlings in May, when the threat of frost disappears and the soil is already warmed up. Celosia, in principle, cannot stand the cold, and frost will destroy the seedlings.

If you grew seedlings at home, then before planting it is better to place them in a greenhouse, which will have a good effect on the development of the flower. If there is no greenhouse, then the celosia is taken out to warm up in the sun, thus it gets used to the air and outdoor conditions.

Planting is done carefully, depending on the variety, a certain distance is chosen:

1. For low-growing plants - 15–20 cm.
2. For medium - from 20 to 25 cm.
3. For tall ones - from 25 cm.

Seedlings are transferred into pre-moistened holes, try to move the roots so that a little native soil from the pot remains on them.

Celosia will bloom outdoors in a few weeks, and will stop blooming after the air temperature drops to +1 degrees.

Reproduction and cultivation

External exotic and unusual, even surprising how unpretentious these flowers are in terms of their cultivation.

You can propagate cellosia by seeds and cuttings.

But in the practice of cultivating a plant, the first method predominates, since it preserves the plant's selectivity better.

Again, experienced flower growers recommend sowing a balcony or terrace with seeds of different varieties of celosia, then it will bloom for a long time in the first half of autumn.

Technological features of flower cultivation:

• seeds are sown in moist soil not often, so that future seedlings are at a distance of five centimeters from each other;
• it is better to sow a seedling of cellosis first in each individual pot, so we avoid the danger of damaging the root system.
• in five days the first shoots will appear;
• the climatic temperature regime for seedlings should be 17-20 degrees Celsius, with good light and air circulation;
• you need to water, as they say, effectively, without overdrying the soil and not turning it into a swamp, since the roots of young plants will rot in excessively moist soil;
• sunlight is necessary, but it is not necessary for the direct hot rays to hit the seedlings.

As we mentioned, celosia is native to the tropics, so it does not need to be transplanted into open ground to establish warm weather.

Seedlings are planted as follows: if it is a dwarf variety, then 10-15 centimeters of distance are left between them, 20-30 centimeters between ordinary varieties.

In the garden, a sunny plot is well suited for cellosis and, if possible, protected from gusts of wind.

Soil requirements:

• the ideal option is not dense and weakly acidic in chemical composition, desired good drainage;
• monthly application of fertilizers (mineral) will have a good effect on the splendor of flowers;
• in case of heat, good watering of flowers is required, otherwise they wither and no longer bloom.

Celezia care

Celosia captivates not only with its beauty, but also with its simplicity of cultivation. Reproduction of cellosis is not difficult. Basically, celosia is propagated by seeds, since during cuttings the decorative effect of plants is sometimes lost.

We advise you to buy seeds of a mixture of varieties, and then the motley cheerful celosi will color your balcony and garden for a very long time - all summer and the warm part of autumn.

Celosia is easy to grow from seed. Sow seeds of cellosis for seedlings in March-April under a film. They rarely sow on the surface of moist soil. Seedlings dive into pots, since the plant does not tolerate transplanting in open ground. In early June, when the threat of frost has passed, the seedlings are planted in a permanent place.

You can sow cellosis immediately in separate pots so as not to damage the root system of plants when picking. The first shoots appear in 4-6 days.

The soil is preferable fertile, loose, structural, non-acidic. It is advisable to choose a place protected from the wind, warm, sunny and without stagnant water. The distance between plants depends on the variety and ranges from 15 cm for low varieties to 30–35 cm for tall ones. Good watering is required during the initial growth period. Top dressing with full mineral fertilizer is done every 10-15 days. If you overfeed the plants with nitrogen and organic matter, they will grow powerful, but they will not bloom well.

Celosia seedlings are grown at moderate room temperature (17-20 ° C), with good lighting and ventilation. Preferably on a bright window, protecting from the hot sun. The main thing is moderate and careful watering

It is important not to overdry the soil and not flood young plants, since the roots of cellosia seedlings easily rot from excessively moist soil

Transplanting grown up and acclimatized plants in open ground carried out only after the end of the spring cold. After all, celosia is very thermophilic and does not tolerate even the slightest frost!

The best place to plant celosia in the garden is sunny, protected from the cold wind. The soil is desirable loose, slightly acidic, well-drained. Celosia is planted in flower beds, in ridges, borders. It grows well in containers, on balconies and window sills. Flowering - from late June to frost.

Feeding the cellosis with mineral fertilizers is carried out once a month. Celosia responds very well to fertilization with lush flowering.

On hot and dry days, abundant watering is necessary, otherwise they will drop the leaves and do not form new peduncles.

Celosia inflorescences for a long time perfectly retain their "foppish" shape and model. They do not lose color if cut before seed ripening and dried well in a dark, cool room for two weeks.

Celosia silvery comb (Celosia argentea var.cristata). julia_HalleFotoFan

The charm of scallops in the garden, or the choice between seeds and seedlings

Undoubtedly, every amateur florist wants to save money, so he prefers to sow seeds on his own in order to get seedlings. But few people take into account the need for proper and caring care at this time, as well as strict adherence to the rules of agricultural cultivation.

But those who decided on an independent experiment should take care of the planting material. Undoubtedly, the seeds can be sown after May 9 (when the threat of frost blows) in open ground, in grooves with sand and wait for the result indefinitely. Of course, everyone will wait for him, but such plants will give color not earlier than August. It makes sense? It makes no sense! Therefore, you need to either sow seeds in a bowl early and grow cellosia on the windowsill, or purchase ready-made seedlings.

Self-cultivation of seedlings from seeds

The main thing here is to purchase solid and high-quality seeds.

It is worth paying attention to professional seeds if you want to sow undersized variegated varieties. Otherwise, you can give preference to self-harvested varietal seeds, which will give an excellent result.

Celosia is planted on a flower bed with seedlings

We omit the optimal option for growing sprouts from seeds in a greenhouse, because there are all conditions (lighting, temperature, humidity). We are considering the option of growing on a windowsill. In both cases, the deadline for sowing is March 15-20 in order to get flowering plants in mid-June-early July.

You need to start with:

• soil preparation. Ready-made soil mixture is good, but only slightly acidic. A good option is 3 parts of black soil, 2 parts of sand, 1 part of humus. We compact the soil in a box or bowl, spill it moderately;
• sowing. It is better to do this in rows, the distance between which is 2-3 cm.So it will be easier to thin out ready-made seedlings, and to dive, and save on the number of seeds;
• creating a microclimate in a box or dish. To do this, cover the container with foil or glass, open it only for watering. After the emergence of shoots, remove the shelter. An important point is temperature. The optimal indicator for fast (7-10 days) germination of cellosis seeds is 25-28C;
• plant picks after they release a couple of real leaves. Many skip this stage, but it is he who makes the plant powerful, “confident” in itself, the root system is developed, the plant is strong and healthy;
• landings in open ground somewhere from May 15-20, after warm weather recovers outside.

Attention! For picking, it is not necessary to use free-standing cups cut from a plastic sleeve or PET bottles. Seedling cassettes with a different number of cells provide a minimum of usable area, ease of care and use, and a root system without damage.

As easy as shelling pears, or buying ready-made seedlings of cellosi

If you are not sure of your sowing abilities, you want to decorate your flower beds with ready-made plants "here and now", contact the market or a specialized store, flower farm or nursery. Here you will be offered ready-made seedlings, which is 1 plant, planted in a separate glass or pot. It is not uncommon for an already blooming celosia to be sold.

Celosi planting

This is a great option to choose the color you like and arrange the flower bed as required by the flower arrangement.

It remains to pay attention to the fresh green color of the foliage, a powerful stem, a developed (but not old!) Root system. To do this, it is enough to turn the plant over, hold it, shaking out the root from the pot: if the roots are milky white, homogeneous, without rot, take

Otherwise, give up.

Possible growing problems

The list of threats to the health of a flower includes such standard factors as infections, parasites and poor conditions.

Chlorosis on cellosis

Pests

Most of all, aphids, which can quickly absorb a significant area of ​​the flower, love to feast on the whole. Among the agents used to protect the plant, the most popular are "Aktara", "Aktellik", "Inta-Vir", "Iskra Bio" and "Fitoverm". A simple solution consisting of 2 tsp is also effective. liquid soap, 2 tbsp. water and 1 tbsp. l. vegetable oil passed through cheesecloth.

Additional Information! The plant is treated in the evenings every 3 days.

Diseases

The most dangerous ailment of cellosis is considered to be a black leg, which is usually the result of waterlogging of the soil or watering on cloudy or cool days. It can be prevented by frequent loosening of the soil near the bushes. Areas of the plant affected by the disease are treated with such antifungal agents as "Skor", "Strobi", "Brunka" and "Topaz". With this disease, the soil at the stem is loosened and mixed with ash, and watering is temporarily stopped. Sometimes transplanting can help, in neglected cases, the plant is destroyed.

High acidity of the soil can cause chlorosis, which is treated with agents containing iron compounds.

Signs of improper care

The following symptoms may indicate a painful condition of the plant:

• withering;
• the dominance of insects under the leaves;
• blackening of the stem;
• twisted foliage;
• yellow spots on the leaves or their blanching;
• thinning of the stem.

Growing cellosis at home

For the purpose of reproduction of cellosia, planting with seeds is most often used. Seedlings should be prepared in advance.

1. Before planting in March, the seedlings should be soaked with a substance that stimulates growth and hormonal (Zircon).
2. So, it is necessary to pour vermiculite and soil humus into the container.
3. And on the plane of the soil, gently distribute the seeds.
4. They are sprinkled with water and covered with polyethylene.
5. They should be ventilated every day, and the condensate should be checked (the excess is wiped off).

So for germination you need a sunny place and 23-25 ​​degrees.

After 7 days, microbes will appear, then the polyethylene is removed.

1. As soon as the leaves are formed, the seedlings are immersed in another container at a distance of 5 cm.
2. In the summer, the seedlings are transferred to the open air.
3. When the likelihood of freezing disappears, the seedlings are planted in nutritious, drained soil.
4. Only those soils that contain the least acid are suitable.

Celosia settles well in soils, which include: silt, sand, manure, compost. Since the roots of the plant are quite damaged, therefore they are planted together with an earthen clod.

Plant care

Let's take a closer look at how to take care of the plant at home. Plant care does not depend on the variety. For example, caring for a deep purple cezium is the same as for any other.

Watering the cellosis

It takes a lot of care. Loves humidity. In summer, flowers need to be irrigated every other day or two. The water must not stagnate. Not frost-resistant, but at the same time tolerates extreme heat. In autumn, the plant stops flowering. The cold can kill the plant.

So, if it is grown in containers, then before the cold weather it must be moved indoors.

Before planting in the ground, seedlings are fertilized with fertilizers, preferably mineral fertilizers with phosphorus or nitrogen. As soon as the plant has been planted, it is irrigated 1-2 times every 30 days with mineral or organic fertilizers.

Loosening

It is necessary to loosen the soil and remove weeds so that air can penetrate to the scions. It is advisable to tie up the elongated stems, since if the wind is strong, then it can break them. Adult cellosia is quite resistant to disease, but young plants suffer from fungal diseases.

Pests

To avoid overdriving the soil, you need to monitor watering. Aphids can appear on stems and foliage. In this case, the plant is treated with insecticides. Pest control procedures should be carried out before sunset, but by no means during the day.

Using cellosi

Celosia amazes everyone with its unusually beautiful appearance. It complements absolutely any site. She stands out very much from other colors, so it is quite difficult for her to find partners.

The comb-like species can be planted in pots on terraces or as a houseplant. These plants are also used as a herbarium.

Besides decorative applications, it can also be used in the kitchen. Its shoots are used in cooking, as a side dish.

Directly she still has healing characteristics. A tea can be made from dried leaves, which improves eyesight, serves as an immune medicine.

If you rinse the mouth with a decoction of cellosis, the inflammation will decrease.

2> Types and varieties of cellosis with photos and names

Below will be described the types and varieties of cellosia, which are happily cultivated by a huge number of gardeners. It should be borne in mind that the most popular in middle latitudes is silvery celosia, which has 2 varieties:

Celosia silvery comb, or "cockscomb" (Celosia argentea f. Cristata)

The height of the bush is about 0.45 m, but there are also lower varieties. The color of the leaf plates depends on the variety and can be burgundy, golden, green or bronze. Large inflorescences outwardly similar to the comb of a rooster consist of small flowers of orange or red-purple color. Flowering begins in mid-summer and ends in October. Varieties:

• Impress - a bush in height reaches from 20 to 25 centimeters, the color of the leaf plates is dark red, and the inflorescences are red;
• Atropurpurea - the height of the bush is about 20-25 centimeters, the color of the stem is light pink, the inflorescences are purple, the leaf plates are pale green;
• Imperialis is a not very tall bush with dark red stems and inflorescences, as well as purple leaf plates with red veins.

Celosia argentea f. Plumosa

Some varieties have the height of the bushes is about 100 centimeters, but there are also dwarf and undersized. At the tops of straight stems are large panicle inflorescences that can be colored in various shades of red, orange and yellow. The color of the leaf plates can be pale green, red, deep green and pink. Flowering begins in July and ends in October. Varieties:

• Goldfeder - undersized bush is decorated with golden inflorescences;
• Tomsoni Magnifica - the height of a tall bush is about 0.8 m, the inflorescences are burgundy, the leaf plates are pale green;
• Fakelshine - a tall bush has paniculate inflorescences of a deep red color;
• New Onion - a bush in height reaches from 0.35 to 0.4 m, the color of the inflorescences is orange-yellow, and the leaf plates are purple-purple.

Celosia spicata, or Hutton's celosia (Celosia spicata)

Today it is not in great demand among gardeners of mid-latitudes, but the popularity of this species is gradually growing. The height of the bush can vary from 0.2 to 1.2 m, small panicle inflorescences that look like spikelets can be colored either yellow, red and orange, or white

Coral spikelet cellosis deserves special attention.

Seed preparation and planting

To grow celosia from seeds at home, first of all, you should choose a suitable place to place the culture. It is better to break a flower bed in well-lit, but protected from the wind areas.

You should also pay attention to the soil: it should be loose and with a low level of acidity. Heavy soils are not suitable for cellosis, since in such a soil the culture will develop too slowly

When the preparation of the plot for the flowerbed is completed, you can proceed to the direct sowing of seeds:

Celosia is considered a delicate crop, so it is recommended not to sow it directly into the ground, but to cultivate it by seedling. In a city apartment, seedlings can be grown in a pot, and in a private house in a small greenhouse.
Seeds must be properly prepared before sowing. To do this, take the drugs Zircon and Epin and add a drop of each of them for every 200 ml of liquid. In the resulting solution, you need to soak the seeds for 3-4 hours to soften their dense shell.
Sowing seeds for seedlings is usually carried out in March or April. Planting material can be laid out along previously prepared grooves or simply scattered over the surface of loose soil. In any case, there is no need to sprinkle the seeds with soil. It is enough to press them lightly into the ground, and then moisten them from a spray bottle.
Next, the containers are covered with glass or film and placed on the windowsill.

At the same time, it is important that the plant is not exposed to direct sunlight, which can be detrimental to young shoots.
The temperature in the room with seedlings should be + 22 + 25 degrees. The room must also be regularly ventilated and the accumulated condensation must be removed from the film or glass.

Figure 2. Stages of sowing seeds for seedlings

With proper care, the first shoots will appear in a week and they will have to be thinned out or dived. But, if you do not want to do this, you can immediately sow the seeds in individual pots (Figure 2).

How to grow on the site?

Celosia can be grown via seedlings and direct sowing outdoors.

When are they planted for seedlings? Sowing seeds for seedlings is carried out in late March or early April.

Highlights of planting seeds for seedlings:

• The seed is pre-soaked for 3-4 hours in the substances of Epin and Zircon.
• The seeds are sown in soil made of earth and vermiculite. They are laid not in a thick layer, not sprinkling with earth, but pressing them to the soil and spraying with water from a spray bottle.
• You can sit in small plastic containers, which are covered with transparent film or glass. The containers are left on the windowsill, in the brightest room, at a temperature of 23-25 ​​° C.However, don't leave your seedlings in direct sunlight.
• About 14 days pass between the first germination and sowing, at temperatures from +15 to +18 0С.
• With seedlings, seedlings appear only after 3 months.
• Planting is also carried out only in established warm weather.
• For planting seedlings in the ground, you must choose a not rainy day, fertile soils and a separate, well-lit place.

Celosia comb - care features:

1. Mineral dressing is carried out once a month.
2. Abundant watering is carried out in the hottest time, and in a rainy season, on the contrary, the flower does not need to be watered separately.
3. It is not recommended to "overfeed" the cellosia with nitrogenous fertilizers, since the plant will enter into a rich growth, but the buds will be small and faded.

It is imperative to remove weeds from the ground and dig up the soil.

Transplanting cellosi is no different from other garden plants.

When transplanting seedlings into soil, it is important to maintain the integrity of the root system. To do this, you can use the "transshipment"

It is important to remember that low-growing varieties are planted at intervals of 15-20 cm from each other, and plants with a high stem - 25-30 cm.This process must be carried out at an already established positive temperature

Plant diseases:

• As for diseases and pests, their main problem is the black leg. It is manifested by the blackening of the stem. If this "symptom" is found, the soil must be loosened and sprinkled with wood ash. It is not necessary to water this bed during processing.
• Another problem with cellosis is aphids. To combat it, use 2 teaspoons of liquid soap and a glass of sunflower oil dissolved in a glass of water. This solution is used 2-3 times per season, for several days every evening. Other diseases do not affect this flower.

Where do they plant celosia?

It will not be superfluous to pay attention to the "neighbors" in the garden when choosing a place location. So, when planting comb varieties, it is advisable to plant more "even" and "calm" flowers next to it, for example, chamomile or something like that.

So, when planting comb varieties, it is advisable to plant more “even” and “calm” flowers nearby, for example, chamomile or something like that.

Unusual shape and color of the flower great for creating unique flower beds and decorating borders.

Regarding the color scale, it should be borne in mind that if the petals are of a bright shade, then some less juicy flower should be planted next to it.

If you need to get seeds in a faster way, then the flowers are hung by the stems, and a newspaper is placed under them. After complete drying and ripening, the seeds will begin to spill out on their own.

Celosia today is rarely found in the beds of Russian gardeners.

Perhaps this is due to her not yet very wide popularity of this tropical flower.

However, the bush, which resembles a sheaf of bright sparks, will be a good addition to a flower bed in any garden.

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Diseases and pests

For young seedlings, as we have already said, water overflow is dangerous. They immediately give out a reaction - the stem turns black. You can save the plant by instantly loosening the soil, and a thin layer of crushed wood ash is poured over it. After that, give the plant 2-3 days of dryness to allow the soil and root system to dry out.

Pests do not touch the cellosis, the only parasite is aphids. A simple solution of soap (without dye and fragrance!), Water and sunflower oil will cope with it. Grate the soap, dissolve in 2 glasses of water, add 1 glass of oil and stir. The mixture is poured into a spray bottle and sprayed on the plant twice a day in the evening.

Also, cellosia can undergo chlorosis, in this case the plant is treated with preparations containing iron.

Features of growing cellosis from seeds

Celosia is a plant that is very demanding on growing conditions and needs competent and comprehensive care.Consider all the intricacies of growing in the house.

Planting a plant

As mentioned earlier, celosia grows only with a sufficient amount of sun, so the room for its cultivation should be just like that.

Particular attention should also be paid to the choice of soil for planting. The best option is a soil mixture, 2/3 consisting of loam, 1/3 of deciduous humus

It is also advisable to add a little sand and rotted manure. Remember to drain the soil well.

Before planting seeds, the soil should be slightly moistened with warm water. It is better to land at the end of winter, and even better at the beginning of spring - March-April. A small layer of sphagnum moss is laid out on the bottom of the container for planting a plant, then the soil mixture is poured. Do not load the ground to the edge - leave a couple of centimeters empty.

Celosia seeds

The seeds are immersed in a container with a soil substrate at a shallow depth. You can even just scatter the seeds on the surface as they are very small. You should not tamp the earth at the top of the seeds: they may simply not germinate. Better to press them lightly into the soil.

Advice. Keep in mind that the soil should be moistened when planting the cellosia, but in no case do not pour water into the container in the traditional way: use a spray bottle.

Be sure to cover the seedlings with foil or glass. At least once a day, the protective cover must be removed to remove condensation and ventilate. If the soil dries out excessively, it is lightly sprayed with water. The first shoots will appear in 5-7 days. The film can be removed immediately.

Subtleties of seedling care

When the sprouts reach 3 cm in height, you can dive them into separate pots and move them briefly to a very warm room. After a while, you can remove the plant in a cool environment and stop watering so that the soil is completely dry. Thus, you actively stimulate the flowering of cellosis.

After that, you can safely transplant the young shoots into the main pots and return them to a warm place. Further care of the celosia is very simple, but it should be regular. Remember, a plant can be ruined only in two cases: if the temperature regime is not observed (no cold, the temperature is above 20 degrees) and if the soil is excessively moist.

Speaking of moisture. Celosia loves moist soil, so watering should be regular and generous enough, but don't overdo it if you don't want its root system to rot. It is better to water it on the hottest days or when the flowers are slightly lower.

Adequate amount of light is very important for celusion.

In the autumn-spring period, this plant is especially needed for feeding, so try to add nutritious mineral mixtures diluted with water at least once every 3 weeks (at the rate of 15 g of fertilizer per 5 liters of water).

Celosia pinnate rarely "gets sick", but sometimes it happens, moreover, mainly at a "young" age, still quite fragile. In this case, we are talking about a black leg, which can appear when the soil is excessively moistened. Therefore, try to water the plant very carefully, early in the morning and only when the sun is shining. If you missed the moment and the plant got sick, immediately loosen the soil, sprinkle it with ash and stop watering for a while.

As you can see, in general, pinnate celosia is a plant that is not particularly picky and, subject to all the requirements for its cultivation, it will delight you with its luxurious flowering for a whole year. Good luck!

Description of the celosia plant

Its height is 30-90 cm, it can be both annual and perennial. Its stems are branched and covered with a light green bark.

Oval leaves are located on the processes, which have a smooth surface and wavy edges. You can also meet a variety where the petals are pointed, with small stains.

The flowering period falls on the month of July and lasts until the cold weather.So, the inflorescences are in the form of a scallop or feathers, they are very attractive, since their color is multi-colored.

The inflorescences have bisexual flowers of pink, golden, orange, red, they are located next to each other and reach a height of up to 25 cm.

The cup includes 3 bracts of a rich color. Five stamens located in the middle are combined with an elongated ovary.

After pollination, the fruits ripen, they are round boxes, and their diameter reaches 4 mm.

What types are there

The genus Celosia includes about 60 subspecies of plants, and even some decorative ones, they are different in size, shape, color.

Silver Celosia

The shoots of this plant reach a height of 45 cm to 100 cm, it has wide, rounded leaves. This is an annual inflorescence, in which saturated inflorescences bloom on the processes. The configuration is different.

Celosia comb (silver)

The stems grow up to 45 cm in height. The leaves of the comb cellosia are quite large, their color is light green and have round inflorescences. At the top, uneven parts are visible, resembling a rooster's comb, for which this species was named.

Inflorescences have scarlet, cherry or orange color. Bloom until October.

Decorative varieties:

1. Atropurpurea - the height of this variety of celosia is 20-25 cm, and the stem has foliage of various colors, for example: light green or pinkish, at the top there is a purple inflorescence;
2. Impress - is a low-grade flower, its inflorescences are scarlet, and the leaves are burgundy
3. Celosia (silvery) paniculate.

Its height ranges from 20 cm to 100. Its foliage is light green, and the stems are straight or slightly branched.

Above the thickets bloom panicle inflorescences of pinkish, scarlet, gold or orange shades.

Varieties:

1. Golden Flitz - Its height is 80 cm, panicles have a yellowish-orange tone;
2. Goldfeder - slowly growing, with golden buds;
3. The new look - the height of this plant is 40 cm, surrounded by plum leaves and blooms with orange inflorescences.

Spikelet celosia

Not very common among gardeners, as it grows up to 1.2 m, and its inflorescences are very thin, their color is golden, and the lower corollas are silver.

Collecting seeds for planting

To collect seeds on cellosis already growing on the site, it is imperative to carry out preliminary preparation. Planting material is taken from wilting inflorescences in the fall. Several seed pods must be separated from the plant with scissors and sent for some time to a dark place without access to moisture.

After waiting until the deposited inflorescences dry completely, you can proceed to the next stage. After placing a sheet of white paper, you need to shake the "box" with seeds properly. The spilled planting material will remain to be collected and set aside until preparation for sowing. He does not need additional processing. Seeds are collected only at the end of flowering - in October.