Cockscomb is one interesting flower.
- Cockscomb is an annual flowering plant, and while its origin is uncertain, it is most likely native to Africa, India and the Americas.
- Cockscomb is a species of celosia, and its scientific name is Celosia cristata, that comes from the family Amaranthaceae, the family of amaranths.
- Cockscomb is commonly used decoratively as an indoor plant or cut flower, and it can also be grown in the garden.
- Cockscomb plants are readily grown from seed, and grow to be 15 to 71 centimetres (6 to 28 inches) in height.
- ‘Cockscomb’ is also known as ‘wool flower’ and ‘brain celosia’, and ‘chi kuan’ in China, where it is commonly grown.
- Cockscomb flowers look like a rooster’s head comb, hence their common name, and are firm to touch and have a velvety look and feel.
- Cockscomb grows best in full sun or part shade, and it prefers soil a little on the dry side.
- Cockscomb flowers bloom in typically strong bright colours of yellow, red, orange and pink, and the seeds develop underneath the crested flower.
- Cockscomb plants do not like to have their leaves or flowers wet, as it can cause fungal diseases to grow.
- Cockscomb flowers bloom from spring to summer, and the flowers can last for two months on the plant, and up to 14 days in a vase.
Bibliography:
Celosia cristata, 2014, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celosia_cristata
Celosia cristata, n.d, Auburn University, http://www.ag.auburn.edu/hort/landscape/dbpages/441.html
Cockscomb, 2014, The Flower Expert, http://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/growingflowers/flowersandseasons/cockscomb
