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Amaranthaceae
Cockscomb
Celosia argentea
Boldness, immortality, humor.
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Genus
- Celosia
- Native to
- Tropical Africa, Asia
- Bloom season
- Summer, Fall
- Type
- Annual
- Height
- 30–120 cm
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil
- Rich, well-drained
- Water
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Annual everywhere
- Lifespan
- One season
Did you know
- The crested form looks exactly like a rooster's comb — folded, brain-like, and almost velvety to the touch.
- The genus name comes from the Greek keleos meaning 'burning', referring to the flame-like color and shape of the flower spikes.
- Celosia is one of the very few flowers that retains its color and shape almost perfectly when dried, making it a favorite for everlasting bouquets.
- In West Africa it's grown as a leafy vegetable called soko and is one of the most important traditional greens.
- Plumed varieties (Celosia plumosa) look like flickering flames or tropical feathers, while 'wheat' types (Celosia spicata) form slender candle-like spikes.
Color meanings
Red
Audacity
Yellow
Cheerful boldness