Celosia First Flame purple is perfect for lining your side walk, pots, or just as a general border plant. Your container gardens and pots will be extremely happy to have this bright fun flower growing in them. The intricate design of the flame shows little flowers bound tightly together to resemble a flame shaped flower. Celosia will bloom through spring, summer and right into the beginning of fall. You'll be more than happy you planted these seeds when you see how amazing they bloom.
Grow celosias in well-drained soil and mulch or in a simple raised bed for best results. After your celosia blooms, you can create dried arrangements for wreaths, swags, and other crafts. Great for holiday decorations.
Celosia prefers to be direct-sown, and once it has germinated, it would rather not be moved. Sow the seed outdoors well after all danger of frost has passed, setting it just ⅛-inch deep and covering lightly. It should sprout in 5 to 7 days. Thin the plants to about 8 inches apart for dense, leaf-to-leaf coverage. They should be blooming by mid-July from a May sowing.
If you prefer to begin them indoors, here's how: Sow them at 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, ⅛-inch deep and covered lightly. After germination, grow on at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and bottom-water with lukewarm water to avoid chills. The seedlings are usually ready to transplant in just 3 weeks. When you set them outdoors, protect them from direct sun for about a week while they acclimatize.
