General Description/History

Celosias are truly weird flowers, and the question is immediately raised: how can flowers that are called the same name look so different? Prince of Wales feather looks exactly like brightly red, orange, yellow or pink-coloured pampas grass, while Cockscomb looks like a psychedelic brain, or a piece of coral. It comes in bright pinks and reds and is circular with twisted, soft velvet ridges. You’ll know it if you see it – no other cut flower looks quite like it! C. spicata looks like white, purple or pink-coloured heads of wheat.

Celosia is grown as a greenhouse or field crop. Most are grown in Victoria, NSW, and QLD.

Types: Prince of Wales Feather (C. argenta pyrimidalis), Cockscomb (C. argentea cristata), Wheat Celosia (C. spicata).

What to look for

• Buy when the flowers are fully developed and are brightly coloured;
• Buds do not open in the vase;
• Avoid bunches with yellow leaves.

Flower Care

1. Keep cool at all times.
2. Strip leaves from the lower half of each stem and wash stem ends thoroughly.
3. Leaves turn yellow and rot before flowers wilt, so strip as many leaves off as possible.
4. Recut at least 2 cm off each stem and place in water immediately.
5. Always use a preservative as this will help keep open flowers looking fresh.
6. Replace vase water with fresh preservative every day.

Interesting Facts about this Flower

The name Celosia is derived from the Greek word ‘kelos,’ meaning burn, which describes the flame-like colours of the flowers. Prince of Wales feather is well suited to drying.

Botanical Name: Celosia argenta pyrimidalis, C. argentea cristata, C. spicata

Common Names: Cockscomb (C. argentea cristata)

Stem Length: 30 to 60 cm

Country of Origin: Africa, Asia

Available Colours: Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, White, Yellow

Season: Summer,Autumn,Winter,Spring

Availability: January,February,March,April,May,June,July,August,September,October,November,Decemeber