Cockscombs ( Celosia argenteavar.cristata ) are annual unfolding plants in the Amaranthaceae family line with flowerheads remindful of the comb of a rooster . " Cockscombs " touch to specific cultivars in the Cristata group .
comb are part of a group roll in the hay as"everlasting flowers,“which think their colour and shape are preserved even after they are dry . Therefore , ironical cockscomb flowers are often used in dry flower organization and lei . They also make a ripe cut flower for corsage .
Growing Cockscomb Flowers
In decree to have coxcomb flowers to dry out for floral arrangements , you ’ll first need to grow them . These plant grow well in garden seam than in containers .
Cockscomb plants can be grow from ejaculate sowed directly into the efflorescence garden . Celosia seeds can also be start indoors two months before the last frost and then transplant once the soil warms up . Germination of cockscomb seeds takes between 7 and 10 day .
Celosia cristata arelow - maintenance plants . They produce substantially in well - drain land that has a pH between 6.0 and 6.5 . It is important not to overwater these garden plants , which can succumb to rout rot .
Plant comb where they will receive full Lord’s Day , which means six hours of direct sunlight every Clarence Shepard Day Jr. . feed these plants once a calendar month with a plant food formula that contains more P than nitrogen can ensue in better blooming .
Harvesting Cockscomb Flowers
For coxcomb and other everlasting flowers to look their adept when they are dried , it is important to glean them at the correct moment . These works bloom from June through September . Deadheading them can prolong bloom sentence .
You know cockscomb are ready to be glean when you see flower seed starting to form just below the flowerhead . * * Harvesting too before long or too late can touch the quality of the dried flowers . * *
Tip
If you project on dry out cockscomb efflorescence , harvest them as shortly as you see germ begin to take shape below the flowerhead .
How to Dry Cockscomb Flowers
Cockscombs can be air dry out . The first step is to remove all the leaves from the stems . Then , you ’ll require to tie several flowers together using a piece of string or a rubber lot . flow them upside down . This hold on the stems straight .
Choose a warm , black , wry spot with dependable air circulation , such as an garret .
Cockscomb flower are well dried by hanging them upside down in a dark , dry place .
It can take two weeks to a month for the flowers to be fully dry .
