4 named cultivars

annual

Plumed Cockscomb

The Story

Plant Bio

Celosia argentea is an upright annual from tropical Africa, grown for flower heads of extraordinary density and colour. Depending on the group it produces feathery plumes, wheat-like spikes or the convoluted velvet crests of cockscomb, in crimson, orange, gold, pink and purple, on branching stems nine to eighteen inches high above light green lance-shaped leaves.

It thrives on exactly what defeats most summer bedding, being resistant to heat, humidity, drought and dry soil all at once. The flower heads hold their colour almost perfectly when dried, so stems cut before the seed sets and hung upside down in the dark keep their shade for years. Leaves and young shoots are also cooked as a vegetable across much of Africa.

Uses & Benefits:

Intensely saturated plumes, spikes or velvet crests from midsummer until the first frost.

One of the best dried flowers there is, and a leaf vegetable in much of Africa.

Bees, butterflies and other pollinators work the flower heads through the hottest part of summer.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

14 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

Tropical Africa

Toxicity

Non-toxic; leaves and shoots are edible cooked

Planting

How to Grow

Sow or plant out only once the soil is warm.
Give it full sun and free-draining soil.
Water at the base; it dislikes wet foliage.
Avoid rich feeding, which softens the stems.
Cut stems for drying before seed sets.
Deadhead to keep new heads coming until frost.

Pro Tip

Cut for drying just before the seed sets and hang the stems upside down in the dark — the colour holds for years.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant into warm soil in full sun ☀️
Water at the base of the plant 💧
Cut stems early for drying ✂️
Deadhead to extend the season 🌸

Don't

Plant out into cold soil ❌
Overwater or wet the foliage ❌
Feed heavily — stems go soft ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Cut
Sow

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Hot summer bedding and containersCutting garden for fresh and dried flowersEdible leaf crop in warm climates

Companion Plants

ZinniaMarigold Angelonia LantanaSweet Potato Vine

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Plumed Cockscomb questions

What zones can Plumed Cockscomb grow in?

Plumed Cockscomb is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Plumed Cockscomb deer resistant?

Yes — Plumed Cockscomb is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Plumed Cockscomb bloom?

Plumed Cockscomb typically blooms in summer to frost through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Plumed Cockscomb need full sun?

Plumed Cockscomb does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Plumed Cockscomb drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Plumed Cockscomb handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.