Growing Celosia in a Pot

Which varieties to grow in pots?

Celosia is part of the Amaranthaceae family, which also includes the striking fox-tail amaranths. This frost-hardy perennial can reach a height of between 20 cm and 1.2 m. It flowers from July to September, sometimes into November.

There are 60 species, including: the Celosia argentea var. plumosa, recognisable by its plume-like flowers, the Celosia argentea var. spicata with thinner lance-shaped flowers, and the Celosia argentea var. cristata with flowers reminiscent of a cock’s comb. The foliage also takes different forms depending on the varieties. The Celosia argentea var. plumosa and var. spicata have a bushy habit, while var. cristata grows on a single stem.

Among Celosia plug plants to grow in pots, you can choose:

• the Celosia ‘Kelos Fire Orange’: 38 cm tall, it features orange plumes with a red sheen on very bright acid-green foliage, from July to September. It spreads to 45 cm across.
• the Celosia ‘Kelos Fire Purple’: from July to September, it produces purple plumes with pink-tinged and purplish reflections on foliage tinged with purple. Compact, it grows to a height of 35 cm with a 45 cm spread.
• the Celosia ‘Kelos Fire Red’: this compact plant of 38 cm gives you feathery plume-like inflorescences in burgundy-red on very bright acid-green foliage, from July to September and into November. It also reaches a 45 cm spread.
• the Celosia ‘Kelos Fire Yellow’ with flame-shaped narrow plumes in a sunny yellow. It flowers from July to September and reaches 38 cm in height with a 45 cm spread. Its foliage is bright acid-green.

You can also sow seeds of Celosia argentea cristata – cock’s comb Triangle Mix or of Celosia argentea plumosa – plume-flowered Celosia (Chinese Woolflower).

On the left, Celosia ‘Kelos Fire Orange’ and on the right, Celosia argentea cristata

Where and when to plant?

• Celosia should be planted in April or May, after the last frosts. It prefers sunny, warm spots sheltered from the wind.
• Find it a sunny spot and plant it in rich, cool, well-drained soil.
• You can grow Celosia in a pot on a balcony, a terrace or indoors.

How to grow Celosia in a pot?

Which container?

• Choose a pot with drainage holes to ensure good drainage.
• You can opt for different types of containers: plastic, terracotta, wood, resin… A terracotta pot provides better aeration of the roots.

What substrate?

Celosia thrives in a fertile, well-drained growing medium that remains moist.

The planting

• Take a pot with drainage holes that is slightly larger than the plug plant.
• Place a layer of clay balls at the bottom of the pot to promote drainage.
• Add a mix of geranium-specific potting compost and compost.
• Place the plug plant in the centre of the pot and cover with the remaining mix of potting compost and compost.
• Firm the soil to remove any air pockets.
• Water well.

How to care for Celosia in a pot?

Watering

• Water sparingly, often and regularly, to prevent the growing medium from drying out.
• Take care to keep the growing medium moist during hot periods and to avoid wetting Celosia leaves.

Fertiliser

• Feed the plant during the flowering period with a fertiliser every fortnight

Pruning and seed collection

• Remove spent flowers as they fade to encourage new flowering
• If you wish to collect Celosia seeds for sowing, allow the flowers to form seed. At the end of summer, cut the stems and let them dry.
• When they are well dry, shake the spikes over a sheet of paper to harvest the seeds.
• Store the seeds dry in an airtight container or a brown paper bag

Celosia argentea seeds

Over-wintering

• In autumn, move the pot to a bright space at 10°C, such as a conservatory or unheated greenhouse.
• Reduce watering and keep the growing medium slightly moist throughout the winter.
• You can bring the pot back outdoors in spring once the frosts have passed. In advance, resume watering. You may also repot them or apply slow-release fertiliser to give them a head start.

Pests and Diseases

• Celosia can be attacked by aphids. Treat by spraying the plant regularly with water mixed with a little washing-up liquid.
• If grown indoors, Celosia can also face whiteflies or aleurodes or even red spider mites. Spray with soapy water added with a few drops of vegetable oil to eliminate the aleurodes, or a mixture of soapy water, rapeseed oil and rosemary essential oil to combat red spider mites.

To learn more about growing this plant, see our complete Celosia sowing, cultivation and maintenance guide, as well as our Celosia collection.