Days to Maturity: 45 to 50
All-America Selections (AAS) National Winner 2024
Celosia Burning Embers is an annual that blooms from late spring through fall, typically to first frost. A well-branched plant, Burning Embers produces more flowers than most, and in trials, this award winner had the largest and longest-lasting flowers of all the celosia. But its long, feathery bright pink plumes aren't the only thing it has going for it: it also has stunning dark bronze foliage with dark pink veins. Borne on erect stems, the nectar- and pollen-rich flowers are excellent for attracting pollinators to the garden, but they're also great for floral arrangements, fresh cut or dried. For best results, harvest mature blooms in the morning after the dew has evaporated.
A Celosia plumosa, commonly called feather celosia, plumed celosia, cockscomb, or feathered amaranth, Burning Embers has a compact, bushy habit. Shown to best effect massed or grouped, the plants offer sweeps of seemingly endless color, great for edging in beds and borders, but they are also a great option for containers and window boxes.
Easy to grow, celosia grows best in warm, sunny locations with humusy, nutrient rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil. The plants are heat, humidity, and drought tolerant once established. Few pests or diseases bother celosia. They are low maintenance plants but deadheading regularly, although not required, keeps celosia blooming.
Direct sow celosia seed after the last frost in spring, as soon as the soil is warm, or start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date and transplant after all threat of frost has passed. Celosias have delicate root systems that must be handled with care. Transplanting should not be delayed. Holding plugs in trays too long stunts future development and may cause premature budding.
If you plan to start your seeds indoors, be sure to check out our Bio Dome Seed Starter Kit. With the Bio Dome, you can control the temperature, light, and soil mix to ensure your seeds become strong for transplant.
