Celosia cristata

Celosia argentea var. cristata (formerly Celosia cristata), known as cockscomb, is the cristate or crested variety of the species Celosia argentea. It was likely originally native to India, where it was saved from extinction in cultivation by the religious significance and superstitions attached to the variety by Indian, Burmese, and Chinese gardeners who planted it near temples. The name cockscomb is used as the flower looks like the head on a rooster (cock). The plants are hardy and resistant to most diseases, and grow equally well indoors or out, though the perfect place is one with no shade and a well-drained soil, as the plant is susceptible to fungal diseases. The plant is mainly cultivated as an ornamental plant for its spectacular flowering and is highly appreciated by horticulturists for its originality because it has inflorescences in the form of wavy crest. The flowers can be cut and dried to make dry bouquets and are used frequently as ornamental plants indoors. Their leaves and flowers can be used as vegetables. They are often grown as foods in India, Western Africa, and South America. The somatic chromosome number for the cristate variety is 2n = 36, while investigation of the typical species revealed a chromosome number of 2n = 72. They are annual plants of tropical origin and are herbaceous meaning they lack a woody stem, with a straight, juicy and unbranched stem. Its elliptic leaves lanceolate, are green or red-tanned with terminal inflorescences, thick and flattened, velvety, in the form of ridge crest, in the colors red, whitish, roseate or creamy yellow. They grow well in both humid and arid conditions, and their flowers can last for up to 8 weeks. A high number of seeds can be produced by each flower, up to 1,500 per gram or 43,000 per ounce. The plant often grows up to 30 cm (1 ft) in height, though many are smaller. The leaves are either green or bronze/maroon, depending upon the cultivar. The flower can be broken into three parts: their spikes, plumes and crests vary from one another but have standard commonalities—they are usually brightly colored, usually red, yellow, pink, or orange, though other colors can be present. In some instances, a variety of colors are present in hybrids. The plants are hardy and can be grown easily from the seeds. Since the plants are of tropic origin, they thrive in areas with tropical climate. However, they can also be grown in summer months in the colder climate. The plants being annual plants, grow for only about one fourth of a year. A soil temperature of about 16 °C (60 °F) is ideal for growth. This plant likes healthy soils, rich in organic matter and a full sun or partial shade exposure. It sows from March to May on a warm diaper, then it must be transplanted once or twice and put in place in May–June, 30–35 cm in all directions. During the summer it is necessary to water it copiously, with the foot especially and will bloom until the frosts. The plants are relatively easy to grow and care for, having few insects that feed on them. Mites, though, are known to feed on the plants. The plants are also susceptible to leaf spotting, root rot and root strangulation. However the former two can be prevented by avoiding a damp soil and the latter by frequent weeding. Also wetting the leaf and flowers should be avoided as they can lead to fungal diseases Cultivars include 'Jewel box', 'Century mix', 'New Look', and 'Pink Castle'. The variety of shapes and colors of flowers and leaves make the cultivars of the silver firecracker a globally popular ornamental plant. Until 1996, mainly varieties of Celosia argentea var. Plumosa were sold as ornamental plants in Europe . Meanwhile, however, Celosia argentea var. Cristata and in particular Celosia argentea 'Caracas' have been added.