Description

Celosia – Chief Red Flame (Celosia argentea var. cristata) is a vibrant, long-blooming flower that brings prolific red, globe-shaped blooms to your garden from summer to frost. With compact, uniform “cockscomb” flower heads, this variety is adored for its tightly arranged tiny flowers, which make it a standout in any garden or vase. Pollinators are drawn to the vibrant blooms, and in the fall and winter, songbirds enjoy the seeds. This drought- and heat-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and is easy to grow from seed. Chief Red Flame is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking for a cut flower that also attracts wildlife.

Botanical Name: Celosia argentea var. cristata
Family: Amaranthaceae
Native: Exact origin unknown, possibly India
Hardiness: Frost-sensitive perennial, hardy in USDA zones 10 and warmer.
Plant Dimensions: 16″–30″ tall and about 8″ wide
Variety Information: 2″–7″, red, globe-shaped flowers.
Bloom Period: Blooms about 70 days from germination, summer into fall and possibly until frost.
Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flower, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant

When to Sow Outside: Within 2 weeks after your average last frost date, when soil is at least 60°F.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date.
Days to Emerge: 7–14 Days
Seed Depth: Surface to 1/8″
Seed Spacing: A pinch of seeds every 8″
Thinning: When 2″ tall, thin to 1 every 8″

Harvesting: For cut or dried flowers, pick when the plumes are the right size for your purpose but before they go to seed. Flowers can last up to 2 weeks in a vase. If drying, hang flowers upside down for a couple of weeks until stems are stiff and dry.

30 seeds.