Chinese Wool Flower Celosia in a wood box on a white background.
A Baker Creek manager smiles while sitting on a green plaid chair covered in Chinese Wool Flower Celosia.
Chinese Wool Flower plant in white planter with red background.
Full deep red blooms of Chinese Wool flower in multiple vases against a marbled backdrop.
Detailed close-up of Chinese Wool Flowers on the plant.
Chinese Wool Flower Celosia in a wood box on a white background.
A Baker Creek manager smiles while sitting on a green plaid chair covered in Chinese Wool Flower Celosia.
Chinese Wool Flower plant in white planter with red background.
Full deep red blooms of Chinese Wool flower in multiple vases against a marbled backdrop.
Detailed close-up of Chinese Wool Flowers on the plant.

Celosia Seeds,
Chinese Wool Flower

4.515 Reviews#FL632 · 50 seeds
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Description

Popular in 19th and early 20th century American gardens, it disappeared from seed catalogs until Baker Creek tracked down a single pack of seeds in Japan a few years ago. This 2- to 3-foot-tall variety was a major standout in our trial gardens. But its delicate gourmet flavor really sets this apart as a remarkable edible ornamental. 

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Celosia argentea
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
14–21
Days to Maturity
85–100
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
6–8 in.
Ideal Temperature
65–70°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Start Chinese Wool Flower indoors 3 to 4 weeks before you plan to transplant out after the last frost, or sow it in place once frost has passed. Cover the seed lightly in fine, moist soil, keep the flat warm at 75 to 80 F until the seed is up, and look for sprouts in 14 to 21 days. Set plants in full sun 6 to 8 inches apart; figure 85 to 100 days from sowing to flowering.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Seeds germinate in 14-21 days.
  • Surface sow seeds and cover with a layer of soil, making sure that seeds are well covered, as light inhibits germination.
  • Direct sow in place after last frost or start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 65-70 F.

How to Grow

  • Celosia can handle a wide range of soil and they appreciate full sun.
  • Space 9-12 inches apart. Plants range in height from dwarf to 3.5 feet tall depending on variety.
  • While the plants are considered drought-tolerant, keep them well-watered during germination and establishment as water stress can cause premature blooming.
  • Cut flower growers should pinch the main growing stem when plants reach 12 inches tall to encourage multiple branching versus single chunky stems.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Typically pest-free, though aphids may be a problem but can be treated with organic insecticidal soap.
  • This warm weather-loving plant may suffer from botrytis and rot if consistently exposed to temperatures cooler than 60 F and high humidity. Space plants farther apart to promote better air circulation and do not plant too early when the weather is still cold.

How to Save Seeds

  • Flowers are mostly self-pollinating, but insects can cross-pollinate different varieties. In order to prevent errant insect pollination, separate different varieties by 1/4 mile.
  • Save seeds when flower heads have turned brown; just place heads in a paper bag and shake seeds free.
  • Keep seeds in a cool, dry dark place.
  • Seeds remain viable for 3-5 years when stored properly.

FAQ

Is the Chinese Wool Flower really edible?

Yes, it is grown as an edible ornamental. The young leaves are a spinach substitute, and in the Baker Creek trial kitchen it has been eaten tempura style, stir fried, and added to soups, lasagna, and pizza.

Can the blooms be dried?

They can. The fluffy, yarn-like heads make a bold everlasting flower for fresh or dried arrangements.

How big are the plants?

This variety reaches 2 to 3 feet tall. Space plants 6 to 8 inches apart in full sun, and if you are cutting the blooms, pinch the main growing stem at 12 inches tall to encourage branching.

Customer reviews

4.5 / 5 15 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Fiery scarlet tufts: Dense, woolly red heads unlike any other celosia.

  • Blooms until frost: Flower heads last for weeks and keep coming until frost.

  • Stout two-foot plants: Sturdy, stout plants around two feet tall.

  • Drops plenty of seed: Dried heads shed seed freely and may return next year.

  • Growing tips: Tiny seeds and tender seedlings; start indoors early.

More to grow!

See all Celosia & Cockscomb Seeds