Celosia Flowers
Name : Celosia Flowers
Latin Name : Genus: Celosia, (Celosia cristata)
Celosia Description
Celosia is a small genus of edible and ornamental plants belonging to the Family Amaranthaceae. The name “Celosia” is a derivation from the Greek word ‘kelos,’ meaning “burned” referring to the plant’s brilliant appearance and striking flame-like flower heads. The Celosia genus comprises of about 60 species of annual or perennial plants.
Common names for Celosia flower include Cockscombs, Celosia Brains or Woolflowers.
The common name "cockscomb" generally refers to those varieties whose flower heads are crested by fasciation. This tender annual comes from tropical Asia and other warm countries and is also well known in East Africa’s highlands and is used under its Swahili name, mfungu. In southern Nigeria, Celosia happens to be the most important leaf vegetable and is known as Soko. The leaves and flowers of Celosia can also be used as vegetables and are often grown as foods in India, Western Africa, and South America.The Chinese name for the Celosia flower is Chi Kuan, and it is extensively cultivated in China as a garden plant.
Celosia cristata is commonly known as cockscomb, since the flower looks like the head of a rooster (cock). In some cases the flowerhead looks like a brain due to its convoluted appearance and hence the common name Celosia Brain. The Celosia flower was initially introduced into England from Asia in 1570.
Celosia is a velvety, eye-catching plant with large flower clusters on top of green or reddish leaves. The velvety crested varieties (cockscomb) are rippled, whereas others are shaped like plumes or spikes.
The unusual coral-shaped Celosia grows well in humid as well as arid climates. Celosia blossoms last for up to 8 weeks. The plant often grows up to 1 foot in height, though many varieties may be smaller. The leaves are either green bronze or maroon in colour, depending upon the cultivar. Celosia flowers are usually found in beautiful shades of red, pink, yellow or orange, whereas hybrids present a variety of colours.
Celosia grows well in rich to average well-drained soil and full sun. Cockscombs propagate by seeds sown from February to April. The Celosia seeds germinate in about ten days at approximately 70 F. Celosia blossoms appear in the summer and fall.
Celosias look wonderful in gardens as well as flower arrangements even though they have no fragrance. The dwarf varieties work great in containers and as edgings. Taller varieties work well as border plants or can be grown in garden rows for use as cut or dried flowers. In order to dry Celosia successfully, pick before flowers open fully and hang upside down in a cool, dark place.
Celosia is becoming very popular as a cut flower due the long vase life of its flowerhead, about 5-14 days although the foliage wilts easily. The feathery variety of Celosia, which is commonly known as the Prince of Wales Feather, is often used in dried flower arrangements.
Popular Celosia cultivars include Jewel box, New Look, Century mix, Pink Castle, Amigo Mix, Bombay Pink and White Marvel.
Celosia Meaning
The adorable Celosia flowers are known to symbolize Humor, Warmth, and Silliness in the Victorian flower symbolism.
Celosia Mythology
