Cockscomb Celosia Celosia argentea

Plummed cockscomb is a tropical herbaceous annual herb in the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae) native to Africa and is considered a weed in India. The genus name comes from the Greek word for burning and refers to the colorful flame-shaped blooms. The species name means "silvery", regarding the shiny, white bracts and tepals.

It prefers full sun and amended well-drained soil, but tolerates dry porous soils and thrives in heat and humidity.  Deadhead flowers if unwanted reseeding is undesirable. Seeds can be started indoors and transplanted after the last frost or direct sown in the garden.

Cultivar groups inflorescence:

Childsii Group - terminal inflorescence of globose, bosses consisting of numerous, congested cockscombs; bosses resembles brain coral. 

Cristata Group - terminal inflorescence of several erect, flattened, broad, cristate cockscombs. 

Nana Group - name not retained as there are several cultivar selections of dwarf forms in other groups. 

Plumosa Group - terminal inflorescence of erect, tapering upward, plumose or feathery inflorescence; central axis bearing elongate lateral branches spreading ascending, branches getting shorter upward. Includes Celosia argentea.

Spicata Group - metallic pink or yellow in slender heads; central axis bearing very short lateral branches; resembling one or more raised fingers. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Terminal inflorescence with cockscomb sometimes present
• Terminal plumose or finger-like spike inflorescence
• Inflorescence globose, resembling brain coral

The flowers are good cut and dried and plants can be used in the border, in groups or in containers. The leaves and flowers are edible when picked young.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious pest or disease problems, but issues with snails and slugs may be experienced.  Can be susceptible to root rot. It can be weedy. Crowding, rain, and high humidity will cause flowers to rot. Deer will browse the plant. When grown as a houseplant, it is susceptible to infestation by aphids and spider mites, which can be washed off.  

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.