How to Grow Amish Cockscomb

The common name, Cockscomb, stems from the rooster-comb look of the flowers.

You can grow Amish Cockscomb flowers from seed in early spring. The Amish Cockscomb, or Celosia cristata, grows in a variety of vibrant colors. Seed and plant care is relatively minimal for this annually planted flower. Flowers on the Amish Cockscomb stay in bloom for much of the summer with proper watering and fertilization. Celosia cristata seeds started indoors generally survive long term better than those planted directly in an outdoor flower patch.

Things You'll Need

• 4-inch peat plant pot
• Seed starter soil
• Garden trowel

Instructions

1. Fill a small peat plant pot loosely with seed starter soil. Press a single Amish Cockscomb seed lightly into the center of the pot. Dust 1/8-inch of loose soil over the seed to cover it.

2. Place the seeded plant pot in a partial shade location inside the house. Water the pot lightly to keep the soil from drying out. Wait four to six weeks for the Celosia Cristata to sprout and grow indoors.

3. Move the plant, after the last frost of winter, to a location where it can be transplanted and receive at least five hours of daily sun. Dig a hole 18 inches away from other plants that is slightly deeper and wider than the peat plant pot. Lower the pot into the hole.

4. Fill in the empty space in the hole and cover the pot with loose soil. Water the soil surrounding the plant once a day until it is slightly moist.

5. Fertilize the Amish Cockscomb once a month with a standard flower garden fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer in the dilution recommended by the manufacturer.

Tips & Warnings

• Snip off the first couple flower plumes to encourage the plant to branch out and create more. This gives the plant a fuller look.

References

• Northern Gardening: Celosia Fact Sheet