How to Save Cockscomb Seeds

Celosia, more commonly known as "cockscomb," is a native annual wildflower that is recognized as a leafy vegetable in other countries. This annual has wooly-looking spheres of color that rise in a plume from green leaves and resemble a rooster's comb. Two of the most common colors are bright yellow and red/deep magenta. Cockscomb is also known as "lion's paws."

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• White paper
• Kitchen knife or quarter
• Garden scissors

1. Examine the neck of a cockscomb plume for seed development. The seeds are tiny black-gray rectangle shapes that appear approximately 90 to 120 days after germination.

2. Assure that seed development is complete by placing a piece of white paper under the neck of the plume and scraping the seeds with a quarter or a fingernail. Seed development is complete when the seed falls readily on to the paper.

3. Snip the cockscomb plume away from the plant using garden scissors. Take care not to disturb the seeds.

4. Allow the cockscomb seeds to dry completely by placing the plume on a large piece of white paper in a cool, dry place. This process can take several days or a few weeks, depending on the humidity level.

5. Shake the dried plume over the white paper to release the seeds. If the seeds do not shake out easily, scrape the seeds away from the plume using a kitchen knife or quarter.

6. Store the seeds in a paper envelope or glass jar in a cool, dry place. Use the seeds within two growing seasons to ensure viability.

Tips & Warnings

• Cockscomb can self-seed if the flower heads are left on the stalk throughout the winter.
• Each plume can produce hundreds of seeds. Share your extra seeds with a neighbor or exchange them at garden clubs.
• Do not store cockscomb seeds in plastic bags. Mold can develop on the seeds if stored in plastic.

[susyflores]

on 9/15/2008 Thanks, i had been looking for this information since i bought this beatiful giant huge cockscomb flower in the market, it was so big, so beautiful and it lasted over a month in water that i decided to grow it in my garden next year but did not know how to treat the seeds.