Century Yellow (Celosia/plumosa/tall)

Annual (12-36 in/31-91 cm)

GREENHOUSE: For Mother's Day pots and combinations sow Dec. to Jan. 10th  in a warm, ventilated section. Do not sow before Apr. 1st for bedding plants. Celosia do not like cold greenhouses, it encourages disease Sow as thinly as possible, 1/8 in/3 mm deep in sandy soil or Jiffy Mix. Cover seed lightly. Germinate @ 70-80°F/21-27°C soil temp., use bottom heat for 5 days. Use lukewarm water at all times to maintain soil temp. Seedlings require steady, growth @ 70°F/21°C soil temp. Avoid cold drafts. Transplant at the same depth as original seedlings about 20 days after sowing. Shade tender seedlings for about 5 days from direct sunlight.

HOMEGARDEN: Celosia is much easier to grow, when sown outside in the late Spring. Sow as above, May 15th. for June - July blooms that last till frost. Pick a hot sunny area, as Celosia will not tolerate shade. It's a good cut flower and may be dried for winter bouquets. Thin to 16 in/41 cm apart for tall types, 8 in/20 cm apart for dwarfs. Do not try to transplants.