Seed Characteristics and Germination

• Appearance: Celosia seeds are tiny, round, and black or reddish-black.
• Size: They are extremely small, with one ounce containing as many as 43,000 seeds.
• Germination: Seeds typically sprout in 7-14 days at a soil temperature between 70-80°F (21-27°C).
• Growing Requirements and Plant Details
• Plant Type: Annual plant (though some species can be perennial in tropical native habitats).
• Sunlight: Requires full sun, at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, moist, fertile soil high in organic matter, with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
• Watering: Moderate watering is needed, but the plant is fairly drought-tolerant once established. Avoid waterlogging.
• Temperature: Celosia thrives in warm, hot, and humid conditions and is sensitive to cold and frost.
• Uses: Widely grown as an ornamental plant for garden beds, borders, and cut flowers (fresh or dried). In many cultures, particularly in tropical Africa and parts of Asia, the leaves, young stems, and young flower spikes are cooked and eaten as a nutritious vegetable, similar to spinach.