Celosia ‘Xantippe’
Celosia argentea spicata
Description
These easy-to-grow, heat-loving plants produce an abundance of long, thin, stems adorned with fuzzy, clover-like blooms. Textural, spike-shaped flowers are blush-pink and gradually fade to silver. This extremely productive variety makes a great cut flower—you can harvest the entire plant at once if desired. Papery seed heads can be used both fresh and dried.
Details
Plant type: annual
Height: 36 to 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 100 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: when 6 to 8 in tall
Height: 36 to 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 100 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: when 6 to 8 in tall
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in trays 4 to 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed.
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 into 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
These easy-to-grow, heat-loving plants produce an abundance of long, thin, stems adorned with fuzzy, clover-like blooms. Textural, spike-shaped flowers are blush-pink and gradually fade to silver. This extremely productive variety makes a great cut flower—you can harvest the entire plant at once if desired. Papery seed heads can be used both fresh and dried.
Details
Plant type: annual
Height: 36 to 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 100 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: when 6 to 8 in tall
Height: 36 to 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 100 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: when 6 to 8 in tall
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in trays 4 to 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed.
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 into 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
Sources
How to Grow
Seed-Saving Mini Course
Learn how to save seed from zinnia, dahlia, and celosia
In our upcoming 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.
