Celosia ‘Dusty Rose’

Celosia argentea cristata

Features

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

Description

This early-flowering variety (previously named ‘Fruit Punch’) produces an abundance of fan-shaped blooms that are soft blush with a rose wash and a subtle silvery-green undertone. Plants have rich garnet-red stems and long, slender green leaves with beautiful cranberry veining. The antique coloring makes the flowers look like sunbleached velvet.

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: 42 to 58 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 early-flowering variety (previously named ‘Fruit Punch’) produces an abundance of fan-shaped blooms that are soft blush with a rose wash and a subtle silvery-green undertone. Plants have rich garnet-red stems and long, slender green leaves with beautiful cranberry veining. The antique coloring makes the flowers look like sunbleached velvet.

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: 42 to 58 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

Winter Mini Course: Seed-Starting 101

Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series

In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.