Celosia

Basic Information

Seed Number

129

Seed Name

Celosia

Variety

Kumquat Orange

Category

Flower

Plant Family

Amaranthaceae

Plant Type

Cockscomb celosia (Celosia argentea var. cristata)

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

6-9 in

Row Spacing

12-18 in

Thin-To Spacing

Not recorded

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

Keep evenly moist during establishment; provide moderate regular moisture thereafter

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: Kumquat Orange requires warm weather and should not be planted outdoors until frost danger has passed and nights are reliably mild.
Germination: Celosia seed needs light to germinate. Sow on the surface or cover only enough to hold seed in place and maintain 70-80°F.
Harvest: Harvest the vivid orange crested heads when fully developed but before they begin shedding seed. Suitable for fresh and dried arrangements.
Seed Saving: Allow selected cockscomb heads to dry completely. Rub mature heads over a container to release the tiny black seed.
Special Care: Pinching young plants can increase branching, although plants grown for very large individual crests may be left unpinched.
Research Source: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds — https://www.rareseeds.com/celosia-kumquat-orange-cockscomb — Kumquat Orange Cockscomb cultivar identity and orange crested flower form
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, warm transplant conditions and pinching
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]