Celosia 'Flamingo feather'

250 seeds

How to Seed Celosia ‘Flamingo Feather’ (Celosia spicata)

1. Best Time to Sow (Gulf Region):

   • Outdoors: From October to February, when the weather is mild (18–28°C / 64–82°F).

   • Indoors or nursery trays: From December to February for transplanting in early spring.

   • Avoid sowing from April to September, as extreme heat and humidity reduce germination and flowering quality.

2. Sowing Depth:
   Sow seeds on the soil surface — do not cover, as Celosia seeds need light to germinate.
   Gently press the seeds into moist soil and mist lightly with water.

3. Soil:
   Prefers light, fertile, well-drained soil with good aeration.
   Ideal Gulf mix: 40% garden soil + 30% peat moss + 20% perlite + 10% compost.
   Avoid heavy or compacted soil to prevent root rot.

4. Light & Temperature:

   • Germination temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F).

   • Requires bright, indirect light for germination.

   • After sprouting, move seedlings to full morning sun and partial afternoon shade to avoid leaf scorching.

5. Germination Time:
   Seeds germinate in 7–14 days under warm, moist conditions.

6. Transplanting:

   • When seedlings are 8–10 cm tall, transplant carefully to beds or pots.

   • Space plants 20–25 cm apart for compact, bushy growth.

   • Harden seedlings for a few days before moving outdoors permanently.

7. Growing Tips for Gulf Climate:

   • Sunlight: Prefers full morning sun with light afternoon shade to avoid heat stress.

   • Watering: Water moderately; keep soil moist but not soggy. Water early morning or evening.

   • Feeding: Use a balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks for strong stems and vibrant flower plumes.

   • Maintenance: Remove faded blooms to encourage continuous flowering.

   • The ‘Flamingo Feather’ variety produces elegant pink-purple feathery spikes that resemble flamingo plumes — ideal for borders, pots, and long-lasting cut or dried flower arrangements.

   • Blooms from late winter through early summer in the Gulf.