Celosia

Basic Information

Seed Number

130

Seed Name

Celosia

Variety

Mauve & Red 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

Maintain even moisture during establishment; moderate 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: Treat as a warm-season annual in Zone 6B. Start indoors and transplant after frost when temperatures are consistently warm.
Germination: Celosia requires light for germination. Surface sow or cover only very lightly and maintain 70-80°F.
Harvest: Cut flower heads when fully colored and developed. Celosia flowers can also be air-dried for arrangements.
Seed Saving: Because this is a mixed seed population, saved seed may produce a wider range of colors and forms than the original packet.
Special Care: A reliable commercial description matching the exact packet name 'Mauve & Red mix' could not be verified. Species-level Celosia argentea culture is used, while variety-specific maturity, height and flower form are intentionally left null.
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, sowing method and warm-weather transplanting
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/flowers/celosia/ — Celosia as a heat-tolerant cut flower suitable for fresh and dried use
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]