Chief Red, Celosia Seeds

Chief Red Celosia Seed

Vivid red crests deliver classic cockscomb drama
Uniform tall plants excel as hot-weather cut flowers
Dense plantings encourage straighter, stronger stems
Textured heads hold their form when dried

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Celosia argentea cristata

Days to maturity

100 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

100 Seeds

About Chief Red, Celosia Seed, Celosia Seed

Chief produces 2-7" vibrant red colored blooms that are very well suited to production of cut flowers. Does great in high heat temperatures of greenhouses. Dense plantings of Chief produce strong stems and high quality cut flowers. Also known as cockscomb and crested cock's comb.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/8"

Days to Germination

7–14 days

Germination Type

A - No Pretreatment

In-row plant spacing

9-12"

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

48 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

43,000

Color

Red

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Before planting Celosia, select a full-sun site with well-drained soil and good air circulation. Remove perennial weeds, loosen compacted ground, and incorporate modest compost without making the bed overly rich. Prepare a fine, firm seedbed. No seed pretreatment is normally required; use fresh seed and follow the sowing conditions in the Planting guidance.

Planting

Start celosia indoors 4–10 weeks before the last spring frost, or direct sow after frost where the season is long. Keep the medium warm and evenly moist until emergence, then provide strong light and airflow. Harden seedlings gradually before transplanting into warm soil. Space celosia 6–12 inches apart, with taller branching types at the wider end.

Watering

Water celosia deeply whenever rainfall is insufficient, maintaining steady moisture through flowering. Ensure drainage is free and direct irrigation toward the soil rather than the leaves.

Fertilizer

Feed celosia lightly after establishment with a balanced fertilizer. Repeat only if flowering or growth weakens; rich nitrogen feeding causes soft stems and delayed blooms.

Harvesting

Celosia is ready for cutting when blooms are well colored and nearly open. Use clean shears and long stems. For seed, leave selected heads until dry, then collect before shattering.

Tips

Deadhead celosia frequently and trim weak or crowded stems to improve airflow. Leave a few late flowers to mature only when seed saving or natural reseeding is desired.

Pests & Diseases

Celosia is vulnerable to Rhizoctonia or Pythium damping-off, Botrytis, powdery mildew, and bacterial leaf spot. A pinched, dark seedling base signals damping-off. Do not reuse contaminated trays; provide warm germination conditions, quick drainage, and early spacing. Remove water-soaked spotted plants instead of handling them among healthy stock.

Celosia can attract aphids, thrips, spider mites, Japanese beetles, and slugs. Scout flowers and new growth regularly, handpick when practical, and protect beneficial insects with targeted controls.