Cockscomb Triangle Mix Seeds - Celosia argentea Cristata

Celosia argentea cristata or Cockscomb 'Triangle mix' features a beautiful palette of warm shades ranging from yellow to red, orange and salmon pink. Their unique crested flowerheads are long-lasting and don’t fade over time making it an excellent cut flower, ideal for dried floral arrangements. This highly original, extravagant annual will bring stunning autumnal hues to flower beds and borders. Easy to grow in a sunny location in well-drained, cool soil.

Native to tropical and temperate regions of America and Asia, Celosia argentea ssp. cristata is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Amaranthaceae family. It is commonly known as Cockscomb or Woolflower due to its strangely-shaped flowerheads. This short-lived, frost tender plant is often grown as an annual in colder climates; it enjoys plenty of sun and rich, cool, well-drained soils. 'Triangle mix' brings together several fabulous varieties for an explosion of harmonious colours when in bloom, from soft pinks and oranges to bright yellows and reds. The flowering period begins in July and generally extends until September, sometimes until the first frosts depending on the sowing date. Plants measure approximately 70 cm tall when in full bloom. The single, unbranched, ridged stems bear long, triangular light green leaves with occasional reddish or purplish colouring. At the end of the stem is held a compact, fan-shaped flowerhead with a wavy, velvety appearance. It consists of tiny, petalless flowers with coloured bracts. Each inflorescence measures up to 20 cm in diameter and can last up to 8 weeks. After pollination, seeds are formed which germinate easily in light soil.

Cockscombs are spectacular flowers that bring a dramatic, extravagant note to arrangements and perennial flower beds. They look fabulous on the patio or balcony when planted in large pots or containers. They enhance the modest blooms of daisies and combine well with delicate cosmos flowers and starry blues asters. They look sensational when planted in groups of 3 to 5, surrounded by a carpet of low-growing ground cover plants such as Cerastostima plumbaginoides, Alyssum sempervirens or Ajuga reptans. Celosia is an excellent cut flower – avoid overfilling the vase and make sure to change the water often to prevent stem rot.