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Cockscomb is an annual found within the relatively small group of tropical plants botanically known as Celosia and within the Amaranthaceae family. These plants prefer full sun, they like moderate amounts of water and they can be easily sown directly in the garden in spring after the danger of frost has passed. For early blooming the seeds can be sown indoors the same as with other annuals. You can purchase readily available seeds for the Celosia anywhere seeds are sold or through mail-order catalogues.
These brightly colored annuals can be purchased in ready to plant flats. They are reliably available every year at any garden center, nursery, home improvement store and even your larger supermarkets come spring planting time. They can be found amongst your other favorite, sought-after annuals.
Most cultivars of the Celosia grow between 2 ½ and 3 feet high. Dwarf forms are available that reach about a foot tall. Celosia “Plumosa” is the most commonly grown. Many botanical gardens use Celosia for spectacular displays easily seen from a mile away due to the vibrancy of the flowers. They look particularly lovely when planted en mass. They give the garden a sweeping sensation when the breeze ruffles through the feathery plumes much like “Amber waves of grain”.
The flowers of the Celosia “Plumosa” come in the brightest colors imaginable, yellow, orange, red, gold, crimson and pink. Celosia “Plumosa” can also be found under its other less common name of Plume Cockscomb.
Celosia “Childsii” is commonly known as the Chinese Woolflower. It is called this as anyone looking at can see because the flower looks precisely like a ball of wool yarn which a couple of kittens have been batting around to leave it a tangled mess. That may not sound attractive but it is. The blossom is velvety textured , brilliantly colored and quite different looking than most other plants. The foliage is a bright green at the base of the plant, leaves being 2-3 inches long.
Celosia “Cristata” is the Crested Cockscomb. This cultivar has velvet like flowers in the shape of stiff, upright standing fans sometime very contorted or fluted. Rich colors in which they come are Purple, red, orange, crimson and yellow. The taller varieties grow to 3 feet tall and the dwarfs to ten inches high.
These vividly colorful flowers are often used in dried flower arrangements as their natural dry texture makes them excellent for drying. They also retain their colors rather well. The flowers should be picked after all dew is evaporated. Remove all leaves from the stems and using rubber bands tie in loose clusters and hung to dry upside-down in a well-ventilated area away from direct sun. The sun can bleach out colors which you won’t want to do. Drying the flowers hanging upside-down is preferred but they can be placed standing up in a vase. Only thing is they tend to droop but if that’s the look you want, there is no problem. Some folks like to dry them pressed within the pages of heavy books for later use in crafts and fun winter time activities for kids and adults alike.
Celosia or Cockscomb, which ever you want to call it, is a great addition to an annual planting. Next time you’re looking for something unusual, pick some up. You won’t be disappointed.
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Author Bio Box: Glory Lennon
 Visit http://www.helium.com/user/32782 for more fascinating gardening lessons, amusing short stories and intriguing novel excerpts.
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