Celosia

Basic Information

Seed Number

128

Seed Name

Celosia

Variety

Pastel Mix

Category

Flower

Plant Family

Amaranthaceae

Plant Type

Mixed celosia (Celosia argentea types)

Planting Method

Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Mar 24

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jun 15

Plantable Months

March, April, May, June

Indoor Start

Mar 24 – Apr 7

Direct Sow

May 19 – Jun 15

Transplant

May 19 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

6 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

2 weeks

Germination Days

8–14 days

Harvest/Maturity

Not recorded

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

70-80°F

Planting Depth

Surface sow or cover very lightly

Plant Spacing

6-12 in

Row Spacing

12-18 in

Thin-To Spacing

Not recorded

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

Keep evenly moist during establishment; moderate regular water after transplanting

Soil Preference

Fertile, well-drained soil

Minimum Container Size

2-3 gal

Plant Height

Not recorded

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Start indoors or direct sow after frost
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 20 – Jun 20
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 90–100 days to bloom
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Ornamental; some types edible
Succession / Reusable Notes: Start indoors for best blooms.
Zone 6B Notes: Loves heat and good drainage.
Companion Plants: Zinnias, marigolds, basil, tomatoes, peppers, pollinator beds
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Cold/wet soil
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Celosia is heat loving and frost sensitive. Start indoors 6-8 weeks before planting out and wait until after the May 5 frost date when nights have warmed.
Germination: Light is required for germination. Surface sow or cover extremely lightly, and bottom-water or mist gently so the tiny seed is not displaced.
Harvest: Harvest flower stems when heads are fully formed but before seed development. Celosia is suitable for both fresh and dried arrangements.
Seed Saving: Allow selected flower heads to mature and dry. Pastel Mix contains genetically varied plants, so saved seed may shift in color and flower form.
Special Care: The documented Pastel Mix contains a range of soft pastel colors and forms rather than one uniform cultivar, so mature height and maturity are left null.
Research Source: Mountainlily Farm — https://mountainlilyfarm.com/products/pastel-mix-celosia — Pastel Mix identity, annual habit, pastel color range and cut-flower use
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/flowers/celosia/celosia-key-growing-information.html — 8-14 day germination, 70-80°F temperature, 6-8 week indoor start, light requirement, shallow sowing and transplant timing
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]