Celosia Spicata Xantippe

10 seeds

How to Seed Celosia spicata ‘Xantippe’ (Wheat Celosia)

1. Best Time to Sow (Gulf Region):

   • Sow from October to February, when temperatures are mild (18–28°C / 64–82°F).

   • Avoid summer sowing (April–September) as extreme heat and low humidity can prevent germination.

   • In cooler coastal regions, sowing can begin in late September.

2. Seed Preparation:

   • Celosia seeds are small and fine; no soaking is required before planting.

   • To ensure even distribution, mix the seeds with a small amount of fine sand before sowing.

3. Sowing Depth:

   • Sow seeds on the surface of moist soil and press lightly to ensure good contact — do not cover deeply, as light aids germination.

   • You can lightly dust with fine vermiculite (no more than 0.2 cm).

   • Mist gently with water to avoid displacing the seeds.

4. Soil Requirements:

   • Prefers rich, well-drained soil with moderate organic content.

   • Ideal Gulf mix: 40% garden soil + 30% compost + 20% sand + 10% perlite.

   • Avoid heavy clay soil or constant moisture — Celosia dislikes waterlogging.

5. Light & Temperature:

   • Germination temperature: 20–25°C (68–77°F).

   • Requires bright light or full sun to germinate and grow strongly.

   • In Gulf conditions, give morning sunlight and light shade after noon during early growth stages.

6. Germination Time:

   • Seeds germinate in 7–14 days under warm, slightly moist conditions.

   • Keep soil evenly moist but never soggy until seedlings appear.

7. Transplanting & Spacing:

   • When seedlings reach 5–7 cm tall, transplant them carefully into larger pots or the garden.

   • Space plants 25–30 cm apart to ensure good air circulation and full flowering.

   • Choose a sunny, open area with well-drained soil.

8. Growing Tips for Gulf Climate:

   • Sunlight: Needs 6–8 hours of full sun daily for strong color and flower spikes.

   • Watering: Water moderately — keep soil slightly moist but let the top layer dry between waterings.

   • Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) every 3–4 weeks for healthy growth and bright blooms.

   • Heat Tolerance: Once established, Celosia tolerates Gulf heat well, especially if soil drains freely.

   • Pruning: Remove spent flower spikes to encourage continuous blooming.

   • Blooming: Produces tall, feathery flower spikes in soft pink to rose tones, blooming from late winter through early summer in the Gulf.

   • Excellent for flower beds, borders, and decorative pots, adding vertical elegance and color to gardens.