Red Raven Cockscomb bloom and leaves with a small cup of red celosia tea on a white background.
A Red Raven Cockscomb plant in a pot with a glass of tea on a white background.
A close-up of a Red Raven Cockscomb Celosia bloom and foliage with a small cup of tea.
A man holding a Red Raven Cockscomb plant in a terra cotta pot with a cup of red celosia tea.
Red Raven Cockscomb In a blue goblet surrounded by flowers and deep red leaves.
Red Raven Cockscomb bloom and leaves with a small cup of red celosia tea on a white background.
A Red Raven Cockscomb plant in a pot with a glass of tea on a white background.
A close-up of a Red Raven Cockscomb Celosia bloom and foliage with a small cup of tea.
A man holding a Red Raven Cockscomb plant in a terra cotta pot with a cup of red celosia tea.
Red Raven Cockscomb In a blue goblet surrounded by flowers and deep red leaves.

Celosia Seeds,
Red Raven Cockscomb

53 Reviews#FL1022 · 35 seeds
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Description

(Celosia argentea var. cristata). Red Raven carries a deep, velvety mood all its own, with burgundy-red foliage and glowing blood-red heads packed onto neat, compact plants. It’s one of those flowers that feels almost exotic the moment it opens, yet it grows with easy confidence in beds, borders, or containers. The leaves are edible, the blossoms can be steeped into tea, and the whole plant glows like a jewel box in late afternoon light. Rare and much admired in our trials, it’s a concentrated little dose of garden drama.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Celosia argentea var. cristata
Life Cycle
Annual
Days to Germinate
8–15
Days to Maturity
90–120
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
8–12 in.
Ideal Temperature
65–80°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Red Raven is not frost hardy, so sow in place after your last frost, or start seed indoors 4 to 6 weeks before that date and transplant when frost has passed. Seed sprouts in 8 to 15 days with the soil held at its ideal 65-80 F; cover the seed no more than 1/8 inch deep, pressing it into the surface rather than burying it, since the fine seed needs light to germinate. Space the compact plants 8 to 12 inches apart in full sun. Allow 90 to 120 days to maturity.

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

What makes Red Raven stand out?

Exotic red leaves paired with large, blood-red blooms on compact, pretty plants, a striking combination that proved extremely rare and highly sought after in our trials.

Can any part of it be eaten?

The leaves are edible, and the blossoms can be used to make a delightful tea.

How long before it blooms?

Figure 90 to 120 days from sowing, with germination in the first 8 to 15 days. It is an easy-to-grow plant given full sun and warm weather.

Customer reviews

5 / 5 3 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Deep red color: Striking foliage and blooms, as vivid as pictured.

  • Quick to start: Easy, fast germination, even from a midsummer sowing.

  • Compact border plant: About 10 inches tall and wide; neat along a garden edge.

More to grow!

See all Celosia & Cockscomb Seeds