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Celosia is a member of the
Amaranthus family, to which
the crested variety is
vaguely similar in
appearance. It is a
versatile herbaceous
species, easily propagated
from seed.
Known for its bright
coloured heads, celosia is
available in two forms -
crested celosia, also
available as a pot plant,
and the more unusual
"Bombay" variety. These
Bombay celosia are often
referred to as "brains" in
floristry, for their bizarre
likeness to our very own
grey matter... only in
glorious technicolour! The
crested variety, with its
feathery plumes and
ornamental grass-like
appearance, is also known
the "Prince of Wales".
It is, however the "brain"
celosia which is most common
in floristry, and is now
grown commercially on a
sizeable scale. The
spectacular appearance,
texture and colour of these
"brains" makes the Bombay
celosia a bold addition to
any fresh flower bouquet -
the vibrant colours ranging
from hot pink, orange and
red, to pale green and
bronze.
In floristry, the leaves of
the celosia serve no real
purpose and are usually
removed. Longevity of Bombay
variety of celosia is
usually between 7 and 14
days, with the crested
variety often lasting longer
than its stranger-looking
cousin. Seasonally, celosia
is available from April to
October.
Grown from seed, the celosia
thrives in hot, dry
conditions. It performs
poorly in a wet, cold
climate, but greenhouse
propagation is still a
possibility.
Did you know?
The name celosia is derived
from the Ancient Greek "Kelos",
or "to burn".
"Celosia argeotea" is grown
as a leaf vegetable and crop
cereal in Africa and South
West Asia.
In Nigeria, celosia is grown
as part of the staple diet
known locally as Soko.
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