Celosia Flamingo Pink - Silver cock's comb

The Flamingo Pink Celosia is a lovely selection of pink flowers derived from the Celosia argentea var. Spicata, an annual plant naturalized in tropical regions around the globe. It forms a bushy clump adorned with very soft-to-the-touch floral spikes, gradually fading to a beautiful silvery tone from the base to the top of the spike. Highly ornamental, it is also a vegetable plant whose young leaves can be consumed like spinach and its seeds like a cereal. It is an easy-to-grow plant in rich, sunny soil. Sow indoors in March, transplant outdoors after the last frost.

The Flamingo Pink Celosia belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, just like amaranths and orach, for example. This variety stands out with its inflorescences in narrow, upright pyramidal cymes composed of tiny pink flowers, giving the overall appearance of a feather duster. Its pale green foliage consists of lanceolate leaves measuring 10-15 cm (4-6in) long. Together, they form a clump of branched and leafy stems that reaches about 60 cm (24in) in height and 50 cm (20in) in width. Flowering begins in June (depending on the sowing date) and continues throughout the summer. After pollination, a large quantity of small, light brown rounded seeds form. The leaves and mature stems have a bitter taste, while the young leaves have a pleasant, slightly spicy flavour reminiscent of spinach.

The Flamingo Pink Celosia can be used as a fresh or dried cut flower. Its vibrant colours are perfect for brightening up a dull bouquet. Planting should take place after the last frost (in May in most regions) as it freezes at 0°C (32°F). The soil should be enriched with compost or potting soil before planting. Celosia prefers full sun exposure. This annual is perfect for flower beds and flower borders. It also allows for the creation of stunning exotic flower pots on the terrace.