Tornado Red Celosia in a wooden box with celosia tea and jello on a white background.
Close-up Tornado Red Cockscomb head with barn backdrop.
Tornado Red Celosia in a wooden box with celosia tea and jello on a white background.
Close-up Tornado Red Cockscomb head with barn backdrop.

Celosia Seeds,
Tornado Red Cockscomb

4.323 Reviews#FL274 · 100 seeds
Price
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Description

With dwarf celosias dominating the market in recent years, tall varieties can be surprisingly hard to come by. This one stands proud at about 2 feet, carrying massive 8- to 12-inch heads in magenta with garnet and violet tones that catch light in the back border. Tornado Red begins blooming in late spring and keeps going until fall frost, offering a long window for cutting and display. The dense combs hold their rich, crushed velvet color when cut, making them especially strong as a focal point in arrangements.

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
10 in.
Ideal Temperature
60–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Sow Tornado Red in place after your last frost date, or start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before that date and set plants out once frost has passed. Sow about 1/8 inch deep and cover only lightly with fine, moist soil, as the seed is small and should not be buried; keep the soil warm, about 75-80 degrees F, for germination in 14 to 21 days. Do not plant too early while the weather is still cold; this warm weather-loving plant is not frost hardy. Allow 85 to 100 days to maturity; once the first combs open the plants keep blooming right up to fall frost.

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

How tall does Tornado Red get, and how far apart should I space it?

It proudly stands 2 feet tall and carries massive 8- to 12-inch magenta heads. Space plants 10 inches apart in full sun.

Does the color hold up when cut?

Yes. The large, dense combs have brilliant garnet and violet tones and hold their rich, crushed velvet color in arrangements. Cut flower growers should pinch the main growing stem when plants reach 12 inches tall to encourage multiple branching stems rather than one chunky stem.

My plants bloomed while they were still small. What happened?

Water stress can cause premature blooming. Celosia is considered drought tolerant, but keep plants well watered through germination and establishment.

Customer reviews

4.3 / 5 23 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Huge, bold red combs: Velvety magenta-red heads reach up to a foot across.

  • Pollinator magnet: Bees and butterflies work the blooms all summer.

  • Easy to start: Germinates well and needs little care once established.

  • Dries beautifully: Holds its color in vases and dried arrangements.

  • Heads up: Blooms come late, and the heavy heads need staking.

More to grow!

See all Celosia & Cockscomb Seeds