Celosia ‘Vintage Rose’

Celosia argentea plumosa

Features

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

Description

This heartbreakingly beautiful mix is a blend of blush, pewter, and sunbleached velvet that looks like it’s from another era. The towering plants have rich cranberry stems and gray-green leaves with crimson veining. Tall, slender stems are topped with long, feather-like plumes that are perfect for arranging, especially for wedding work. The original stock for this coveted celosia came from famed Texas flower farmers Pamela and Frank Arnosky nearly a decade ago. We’ve continued to refine this mix over time to stabilize the colors and flower forms.

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 60 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 heartbreakingly beautiful mix is a blend of blush, pewter, and sunbleached velvet that looks like it’s from another era. The towering plants have rich cranberry stems and gray-green leaves with crimson veining. Tall, slender stems are topped with long, feather-like plumes that are perfect for arranging, especially for wedding work. The original stock for this coveted celosia came from famed Texas flower farmers Pamela and Frank Arnosky nearly a decade ago. We’ve continued to refine this mix over time to stabilize the colors and flower forms.

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 60 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

Seed-Saving Mini Course

Learn how to save seed from zinnia, dahlia, and celosia

In our free, three-part video series, you’ll learn everything you need to know to save seeds on a home scale, including how plants are pollinated and isolation techniques to ensure varieties come back true, how to tell when plants are ready to pick and how to harvest the seeds, and how to properly dry, clean, and store seeds long term.