Celosia ‘Coral Reef’

Celosia argentea cristata

Features

  • Floret original
  • Dryable
  • Easy to grow
  • Foliage & Filler
  • Heat-loving
  • Medium producer

Description

This mix is filled with the most unique coral-like blooms—they look as if they belong in the sea. Fan-shaped flower heads come in a range of orange, salmon, peach, raspberry, and marigold. The vigorous plants have a branching habit and are one of the earliest celosias to flower.

Details

Planting depth: ⅛ in
Germination soil temp: 70°F–80°F
Days to germination: 5 to 7 days
Site: full sun
Plant spacing: 9 to 12 in
Pinch: when 6 to 8 in tall
Days to maturity: 90 to 100 days
Height: 32 to 48 in

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Sow seeds indoors in trays or pots 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost. Seeds are tiny, so barely cover with soil. Celosia is very cold sensitive, so wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting outside. Celosia can also be direct-seeded once weather is consistently warm.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest once flower heads reach desired size, but before they go to seed. Strip 80 percent of the foliage off during harvest. Do not put in the cooler. Expect a vase life of 10 to 14 days. Flowers can also be dried for later use. To dry, hang freshly cut stems upside down in a warm, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks or until they are firm to the touch.

Details

Description

This mix is filled with the most unique coral-like blooms—they look as if they belong in the sea. Fan-shaped flower heads come in a range of orange, salmon, peach, raspberry, and marigold. The vigorous plants have a branching habit and are one of the earliest celosias to flower.

Details

Planting depth: ⅛ in
Germination soil temp: 70°F–80°F
Days to germination: 5 to 7 days
Site: full sun
Plant spacing: 9 to 12 in
Pinch: when 6 to 8 in tall
Days to maturity: 90 to 100 days
Height: 32 to 48 in

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Sow seeds indoors in trays or pots 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost. Seeds are tiny, so barely cover with soil. Celosia is very cold sensitive, so wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting outside. Celosia can also be direct-seeded once weather is consistently warm.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest once flower heads reach desired size, but before they go to seed. Strip 80 percent of the foliage off during harvest. Do not put in the cooler. Expect a vase life of 10 to 14 days. Flowers can also be dried for later use. To dry, hang freshly cut stems upside down in a warm, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks or until they are firm to the touch.

Sources

How to Grow

Fall Mini Course

Learn how to successfully dig, divide & store dahlias for an abundance of blooms year after year

In our free, three-part video series, you’ll learn how and when to dig up your dahlia tuber clumps, how to divide dahlias to multiply your stock, and how to successfully store dahlias for an abundance of blooms year after year.