Celosia - A Plant of the Amaranthaceae Family
Published · Flower Resource
Celosia flowers are called Brain Celosia or Cockscomb flowers that are suggestive of highly colored brain. These flowers belong to amaranth family called Amaranthaceae. These flowers blooms from late summer through late fall. The Celosia plant is an annual dicotyledon and the blooms are 12 to 28 inches long and 2 to 5 inches wide. These flowers are crested variety and they also come in red leafed varieties as well. Three forms of these flowers were introduces into England from Asia in the year 1570. This plant grows widespread in Mexico where it is called Velvet flower. They are native to South America, tropical Africa and the South and East parts of Asia.
In Victorian language of flowers these flowers symbolized humor, warmth and silliness. So you can give these flowers to your dear ones on special occasions and convey your love and warmth to them.
Uses of Celosia
- In some parts of the world it is cultivated as a nutritious leafy green vegetable.
- The flowers are used in traditional flower arrangements.
- The dried flowers can be used for beautiful effect in permanent botanical bouquets.
- Their leaves are consumed as food because leaves taste similar to Spinach.
- Celosia is a staple food in Nigeria and most parts are commonly eaten in stews.
- Celosia is often used for medicinal purposes to treat blood diseases, eye problems and also to cure intestinal worms.
- The seeds of Celosia can also be used to treat chest problems and the flowers of Celosia are used for the treatment of Diarrhea.
- Thus they are extensively used in gardens for decorations.
Interesting Facts
- The exact origin of these flowers are to the dry slopes of Africa and India as well as both North and South America.
- Celosia comes from the Greek word ‘kelos’ which means burned referring to the brightly colored flowers in some species.
- There are some 60 species of annual or perennial Celosia.
- These flowers have no fragrance.
- These flowers resemble rooster combs or convoluted brains, Celosia argentea.
- The flowers have 5 to 14 days of vase life and are available in colors like vibrant yellows, pinks, reds and gold color.
Soil Needed
- The plant requires full sun and well drained soil.
How to Plant?
- The plant can be easily grown through seeds either indoors under lights or outdoors in garden.
- Space the plants some 8 to 12 inches apart depending on the height of the variety you are planting.
- The seeds should be planted indoors some 6 to 8 weeks before last frost.
- The plant grows best in hot and slightly dry conditions.
- These plants grow well when the mulched.
Maintenance and Care
- If the frost kills plant, pull and discard in fall but keep the flower bed mulches.
- Fertilize the plant every four weeks as it benefits from regular fertilizing.
- Avoid the flowers and leaves getting wet to prevent it from fungal diseases.
- They are generally resistant to disease and pests.