Celosia

Description

Celosia is a member of the amaranth family and is a very common plant in Minnesota annual gardens due to their ease of care and wide array of flower structures and colors.

The name Celosia originates from the Greek word for “burning” due to the flame-like flower heads. The species used for flowering annuals is believed to be native to the Mediterranean region or East Africa and also commonly known as “woolflowers”.

Leaves of this plant are edible and have a spinach-like taste while the plant is young but after flowering, the leaves turn bitter.

There are three distinct types of Celosia based on flower structure: plumed, wheat and cockscomb.

• Plumed cultivars have multiple flower stalks and blooms with a feathery appearance. They are often between 8 and 24 inches tall.
• Wheat cultivars have a singular flower stalk and are similar looking to the head of a grain crop. These cultivars are often between 12 and 36 inches tall and are the most limited in colors compared to the plumed and cockscomb varieties.
• Cockscomb cultivars have coral or brain-looking blooms that are often large and heavy so they must often be staked. They grow between 12 and 36 inches tall.