| Botanical Name | Celosia argentea var. cristata |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Celosia |
| Specie | argentea var. cristata |
| Local Name in Urdu | کلغہ |
| Common Name | Cockscomb |
| Life Cycle | Annual |
| Fragrant or Not | no |
| Category(Bush/Vine/Tree) | annual plant |
| Height | 24-36 in. |
| Spacing | 9-12 in. |
| Flowering Months | summer,fall |
| Flower Color | Magenta (Pink-Purple) Fuchsia (Red-Purple) Red Scarlet (Dark Red) Bright Yellow |
| Growing Areas | All hot areas of Pakistan |
| Frost Tender | no |
| Exposure | full sun |
| Soil pH | tolerant |
| Propagation | by seeds |
| Uses | ornamental plant |
| Other Details | Cockscomb flowers are a wonderful addition to any landscape or garden. They are easy to start from seed and thrive under most conditions. They can be found in a variety of colors and range in size from the dwarf variety to the giant. My favorite variety is the Heirloom Giant Cockscomb Red Celosia, they grow up to three feet tall on strong upright stems and have huge ruffled flower heads that stretch up to 12" across and some have multiple smaller side blooms as well. The flower heads have a velvety feel and texture. They have often been described as resembleing a brain or looking somewhat like cauliflower. The leaves are a deep glossy green.Cockscomb love sunshine and will grow in a wide range of soil conditions but will do best in well drained loose soil or soil that has been enriched with compost. They are heat and drought tolerant making them ideal for our summers . Cool weather makes them tend to flower earlier thus almost guaranteeing flowering for northern gardeners as well. These are considered an annual, but I have always had them return each year from self seeding, or you can save the seed for replanting. |
photos from munir sb garden.