Celosia Toreador

Celosia Toreador stands out with its intensely colored, crested blooms, making it a garden favorite. These cockscomb flowers display a deep, rich red, offering a velvety texture that's visually and tactilely appealing. Blooming from late summer into early fall, they provide a vibrant splash of color when many other flowers are fading. Their unique appearance makes them highly sought after for both fresh and dried floral arrangements, adding a touch of drama to any display. To thrive, Celosia Toreador requires full sun and well-drained soil, making it a relatively low-maintenance addition to gardens. Additionally, these plants play a vital role in supporting local ecosystems by attracting pollinators like bees.

DAYS TO GERMINATION:
8-14 days at 70-80°F (21-27°C)
Bottom-water or mist lightly to avoid displacing seeds and soil.

SOWING:
Transplant (recommended) - Sow into 72-cell flats or preferred seedling container, 6-8 weeks before last frost.
Light is required for germination; cover very lightly to hold seeds in place. Grow seedlings at 63-68°F (17-20°C). Harden off and transplant out after last frost.
Direct seed - Only in locations with a long growing season. Sow 1/8" deep, after last frost. Pinching is recommended to encourage branching. Low temperatures and less than 12 hours of light can cause premature flowering.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:
Sun.

PLANT HEIGHT:
Varies.

PLANT SPACING:
6-12".

HARDINESS ZONES:
Annual.

STEM LENGTH:
12-48" depending on variety.

VASE LIFE:
7-14 days. Ideal storage temperature 36-41°F (2-5°C).

HARVEST:
Celosia is exceptional as a cut flower and can be used both fresh and dried. Fresh - Harvest when the flowers are fully developed, and stems are firm at the base of the bloom. Dried - Harvest at the same stage of growth as you would for fresh flowers. Remove all the foliage and hang in a dark, well-ventilated location to dry.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:
Well-drained, moist, fertile soil high in organic matter. pH of 6.0-7.0 preferred.

USES:
Excellent cut flower, fresh or dried. Borders, beds, and containers.

Note:
Pinching is not necessary for all species of Celosia but is still recommended to increase branching (the number of stems and flowers produced) and uniform flower size. Pinching is highly recommended for C. cristata and C. plumosa. To pinch, when plants are 6–12" tall, use your thumb and index finger or sterilized scissors to remove the growing point.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Celosia spp.

ALTERNATE NAMES:
Cockscomb, crested cock's comb, prince of Wales feather, prince feather, wheat celosia, red fox
Multiple orders of a single item may be combined into 1 seed envelope unless otherwise instructed by buyer.

Multiple orders of a single item may be combined into 1 seed envelope unless otherwise instructed by buyer.We take great care to provide high-quality seeds, corms, and bulbs, all of which are tested for acceptable germination rates. However, because successful growth depends on various factors beyond our control—such as planting conditions, weather, and care—we cannot offer refunds for seeds, corms, or bulbs that do not germinate or sprout.

Thank you for your understanding and support. If you have any questions about planting or care, we’re happy to help!