Has there ever been such a radiantly beautiful celosia? This variegated co*ckscomb offers red-hot plumes above olive-green leaves edged in and shot with red accents. A late-flowering variety, it holds beautifully, thrives in heat and humidity, and doesn't mind drying out a bit between waterings'. It's the answer to the container gardener's biggest summer dilemma, and a boon for any sunny setting.
Dragon's Breath is a magnificent presence in the annual bed, patio pot, and vase. It grows quickly and flowers over a long, late season, extending the glory of the celosias into fall. And there is simply nothing like it in terms of eye-popping, irresistible color.
Reaching 2 feet high in bloom, Dragon's Breath actually increases its leaf and flower production in hot, humid weather, and likes its soil on the dry side. Many container annuals simply cannot last in the punishing conditions of August, but Dragon's Breath prefers the soil to dry a bit between waterings', so those sweltering days are no problem. Amazing.
The variegated foliage is another boon, keeping Dragon's Breath handsome both before and after bloom as well as during its long show of color. You will love the red-and-green mix on these leaves: it shades rather than outlines, so you can't really tell where the green ends and red begins.
Dragon's Breath seed does best when direct sown, and once it has germinated, it would rather not be moved. Sow the seed outdoors well after all danger of frost has passed, setting it just ⅛-inch deep and covering lightly. It should sprout in 5 to 7 days. Thin the plants to about 8 inches apart for dense, leaf-to-leaf coverage. They should be blooming by mid-July from a May sowing.
If you prefer to begin them indoors, here's how: Sow them at 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, ⅛-inch deep and covered lightly. After germination, grow on at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and bottom-water with lukewarm water to avoid chills. The seedlings are usually ready to transplant in just 3 weeks. When you set them outdoors, protect them from direct sun for about a week while they acclimatize.
FAQs
It's easy to grow celosia from seed, but you'll want to make sure you time it right in order to ensure a thriving plant. Trautz-Awot says to sow the tiny seeds six to eight weeks before your average last frost date.
What month do you plant celosia seeds? ›
Celosias can be transplanted or direct sown, but transplants are recommended for most climates. Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your Average Last Spring Frost. Be sure to keep them in a warm place as they are growing. They can be transplanted out after the threat of frost.
Does Dragon Breath come back every year? ›
Planting & Growing
Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. This fast-growing annual will normally live for one full growing season, needing replacement the following year.
How long does it take to grow celosia from seed? ›
Celosia - Key Growing Information. DAYS TO GERMINATION: 8-14 days at 70-80°F (21-27°C). Bottom water or mist lightly to avoid displacing seeds and soil.
Will celosia reseed itself? ›
A: It is not uncommon for celosia to reseed itself. If you want this to happen each year, cut them back after the leaves and flowers have turned brown. Scuff the ground with your shoe wherever you would like new flowers to grow and shake the flower heads over it so the tiny black seeds fall out.
Do celosia plants come back every year? ›
In climates where it is grown as an annual it will reseed itself and return the next year. In locations that experience warm winter temperatures, such as USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11, it can also be grown as a perennial. This easy to grow plant makes an excellent cut flower.
How do you propagate celosia dragon's breath? ›
Celosia propagation
Celosia are easily propagated via cuttings as well in about 3-4 weeks. To do this, cut 4-6 inches off the top of the plant and then remove the leaves off the bottom half of the cutting.
Is celosia toxic to dogs? ›
Is celosia poisonous? Celosias are not poisonous to cats, dogs nor humans. The plants can be kept in any home without any problems. In its native regions, celosia is even used in medicine and cooking.
What do you do with celosia in the winter? ›
Celosia are perennials in USDA Zones 10 - 12, but grown as annuals in most parts of the United States. Once the growing season is over, outside of zones 10 - 12, your plant will not bloom again and will not survive the winter. You will need to replant the following year. You can cut your entire plant to the ground.
Is celosia invasive? ›
Celosia often reseeds in warm climates, but not in an invasive way. Flower colors include shades of red, yellow, orange, and pink.
Celosia seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing. Celosia seeds can be sown directly into the garden OR seedlings can be raised in trays or other containers and transplanted to the garden once established.
What is the lowest temperature celosia can tolerate? ›
Celosia are tender and will die once temperatures drop into the 30 to 40° F. zone, or below. If they are planted in containers, they are even more exposed, as the roots are closer to the chilly air.
How long does it take for dragon's breath to germinate? ›
Germination occurs in 7 – 10 days. Since the root system is very delicate do not sow into open flats. area and reduce the temperature to 65 – 70°F/18 – 21°C during the day and 61 – 65°F/16 – 18°C at night.
Is dragons breath easy to grow? ›
Dragon's Breath Celosia is a fast growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in its soil over time. Replenish them with a gentle organic fertilizer or compost every 1-2 months depending on your location and season. Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates.
Where is the best place to plant dragons breath? ›
Performs best in full sun or light shade in humus-rich, moderately fertile, consistently moist, well-drained soils. Thrives in heat and humidity and tolerates dry soils and drought once established.
How do you grow dragon's breath plants? ›
Easy To Grow
- Full sun or partial shade.
- Well-drained, organic-rich soil.
- Do not bury the main stem below soil surface.
