Celosia
Also called cockscomb
(Celosia)
 
Striking flowers 2 to 12 inches in width; shaped like tall plumes or close, fanlike clusters.  Plants are 1-1/2 to 2 feet tall.  Mixed colors, some intense.  Dwarf forms to 8 inches tall.
 
Soil and Light
Full sun.  Cannot grow in partial shade.  Tolerant of all soil types.
 
Planting
Start 6 to 8 weeks early indoors; sow outdoors after frost danger, or buy bedding plants.
 
Comments
Use dwarf varieties for edgings or borders; tall varieties for mass plantings.  Flowers keep color after harvest; good in dried bouquets.  Drought tolerant.