Cockscomb (celosia)

Crested Celosia is an annual plant that has a very bright and attractive flower. It can be grown both indoors and on your own backyard. If a florist has decided to grow this plant, then he should certainly know about some of the intricacies, as well as familiarize himself with some of the features and characteristics of this culture. Also in this article we will dwell on the description of the caring characteristics of the planting, on what is necessary for cellosis in order to demonstrate the maximum of its decorative effect.

Description of the plant, varieties and reproduction

In other words, the comb celosia is called the cockscomb. This plant got its name for a reason, since the inflorescences really resemble a rooster's comb, especially when it reaches its maximum in its flowering. This plant belongs to a large family of amaranths, is grown as an annual crop, since it does not at all tolerate sudden changes in temperature and frost, therefore, after one season of flowering, planting needs to be updated. Under natural conditions, the height of celosia can reach 45 centimeters, but if the grower decided to grow it in a container or on a garden plot right in a flower bed, then the plant grows no higher than thirty centimeters, remaining quite compact and interesting.

The flowers of the plant are small in size, they are collected in fairly large inflorescences that look like scallops. The colors can be very varied, mainly these are colors that belong to a warmer range - yellow and orange flowers, red, bright pink and crimson inflorescences, which immediately catch the eye of anyone who spotted them on their personal plot. Also, fruits can form on the plant, which look like small bolls, in which a large number of seeds are contained. Gardeners actively use these seeds in order to propagate celosia. Flowering usually begins in July, and it ends around mid-October, it is distinguished by its duration, brightness and decorativeness, which, of course, distinguishes celosia from many other plantings.

You can also mention some of the subtleties and interesting facts that are directly related to this plant. The peoples of Africa, for example, are very fond of eating celosia, and the culture is also very actively used for medical purposes - they make decoctions from inflorescences, which have an excellent effect on the human body and help reduce pain, localize inflammation and eliminate them in a short time.

Celosi varieties

Of course, it is interesting to consider the characteristics of the most common varieties of comb celosia, which today can most often be found in indoor conditions or on personal plots, and which are especially popular and loved by flower growers. Having analyzed the characteristics, it will be much easier to understand why this is so, and how these varieties and species differ from each other.

Let's start with an analysis of the sort called Impress Is a plant that has leaves painted in a bright light green hue. Inflorescences look very light, almost weightless, airy. The color scheme can be different, it ranges from a deep burgundy shade to a bright scarlet color of inflorescences. The height of the plant does not exceed twenty-five centimeters, it looks quite interesting and very compact.Looks great both as a single landing, and as part of a composition, a group landing.

The empress - the second grade, which is also of particular interest. This variety belongs to the undersized species, and at the same time it is very popular. The height of the plant barely reaches thirty centimeters; on the leaves you can see streaks painted in red. The buds are also very attractive - they have a purple hue, they look great, especially when combined with such attractive, vibrant and incredibly decorative leaves.

Atropurpurea - this celosia is distinguished by very large and incredibly heavy inflorescences, which are painted in bright shades and stand out from the total mass of plantings. The stem is colored in a pinkish tint, and the leaves look contrasting, since they are colored in a light green tone. The height of one plant reaches about twenty centimeters, the planting looks incredibly interesting and attractive just due to such bright and decorative indicators. Looks great in indoor plantings, and in flower beds, and on personal plots, so that celosia in this regard is really very much in demand and popular.

Coral garden - this variety belongs to a velvety variety, it can reach half a meter in height, therefore, it is usually this variety that is advised to be planted in a garden plot and in flower beds, since there the plant will feel freer, it will have more space for growth and development, at the root system there will be more chances to develop. The stems of this variety are very straight, rather fleshy, which makes them quite popular because of such strength indicators. At the same time, the inflorescences of this variety are very small, they look like scallops, they are incredibly attractive and bright in color. Look great in group plantings with other varieties, varieties of cellosis, or even with other representatives of completely different families and species. In addition, celosia perfectly coexists with other plantings, it is not demanding, does not deplete the soil unnecessarily, so it is an ideal option for planting in any conditions.

Propagation of cellosia

Of course, it is worth mentioning a little about how cellosia reproduces, and how you can get many annuals, preserving their maternal traits and characteristics. In order to get a strong and viable planting material, it is recommended to cut off several inflorescences that have already wilted in the fall. They are dried in a cool dark place so that they do not actively rot. After this, the inflorescences should be shaken out over a white sheet of paper so that the finished seeds spill out onto it and be visible. These seeds are then placed in tightly closed containers, and then sent in this form directly to the refrigerator.

Around April, the seeds will be fully ready to be planted. But before that, they should be further processed, and in this the gardener can be helped by some professional preparations that are specifically designed for these purposes - this is zircon or epin. A little ordinary water is collected in a glass, and a few drops of these drugs are dissolved in it. The seed is sent to the container with the drug for about four hours. It is also worth treating both the seeds and the soil with a potassium permanganate-based concentrate in order to disinfect them. In addition, potassium permanganate perfectly strengthens plantings, enhances their immunity and stress resistance. Several grooves should be made in the container, right in the ground, but you can also simply loosen the top layer of the soil and place the seeds without deepening them.

If we talk about the composition of the soil, then soil is perfect for cellosia, which includes humus and vermiculite; you can also add quite a bit of clean sand so that the soil is looser and allows air and moisture to pass through. The seeds should not be sprinkled on top with soil, but you can press them a little against the soil, and sprinkle them with water on top using a spray bottle. Further, the container with seeds is covered with polyethylene or glass, and it is also placed in the warmest part of the room, a window sill is recommended, which will also be well lit.At the same time, in the apartment or room where the container is located, the air temperature should not be lower than 25 degrees. Sometimes the glass or plastic wrap needs to be lifted in order to ventilate the seedlings, and so that rot and mustiness do not appear.

It should take from ten to fourteen days until the very first shoots appear. When about two leaves appear on each sprout, the sprouts can be picked off. Each sprout is sent to a separate container filled with the same soil composition in which the plants germinated. When the plant becomes large enough and strong enough, they can be sent to separate containers, as well as minerals can be added so that the plant does not stop growing and quickly takes root in a permanent container or in a permanent place. In the next part of this article, we will dwell in more detail on the intricacies of planting celosia, as well as on some features that will help the florist to carry out the planting procedure in such a way that the plant shows its maximum decorative effect and significance in a garden plot or in conditions of growth in indoor, home conditions ... Considering all these moments, even

an inexperienced gardener will be able to plant in such a way that the plant will receive maximum benefit, care and return its incredible appearance in return.

Planting and aftercare of cellosis

In the previous part of this article, we discussed how to plant cellosia in room conditions, but cellosia can often be found in open ground conditions, but there are some peculiarities that should also be taken into account. Scallops are plants that respond well to sunlight and therefore need to be planted in areas that are well lit. It is also worth keeping in mind when selecting a site so that it is not located in drafts, since any plant does not react in the best way directly to sharp gusts of wind or drafts.

Celosia is planted as part of group plantings, the distance between low-growing shrubs can be about fifteen centimeters, but if these are tall and large shrubs, then there should be a distance of at least 35 centimeters between them. It is optimal to plant the whole plant in open ground around the end of May, because at this time the weather will stabilize, and the grower will be completely and completely confident that the return frost does not threaten the plant anymore. In general, the optimum air temperature for disembarking a cellosis is about twenty degrees, + -2-3 degrees, but no more.

The soil for planting should be light, fertile and slightly acidic, since celosia ideally takes root in such conditions. If the acidity is higher than the norm, then it is worthwhile to calcify the soil before cellosis is planted in it. After the gardener has found a place, prepared it, then he can proceed directly to planting celosium in open ground. This is best done using a method such as transshipment; for this, the plant is very carefully pulled out of the container, without violating the integrity of the earthen coma. Together with this lump, the plant is placed in open ground. Thanks to this, the culture has more chances to take root in the very near future, but if the scallops were previously picked in pots, which consist of peat, then you can plant celosia directly in the same pots in the soil. After planting, the cellosis should be moderately moisturized.

Of course, the subsequent care of the planting is of great importance. Grooming activities consist of several stages that simply need to be observed so that the plant feels as comfortable as possible and gives not only excellent results for growth and development, but also fully reveals its decorative effect.

Watering - both indoor plants and those that grow in open ground conditions can not withstand waterlogged soil in the best way. Therefore, it is recommended to water in moderation, and only when the soil dries up. When there is rainfall or the season comes

rains, then you do not need to add additional moisture at all, since the plant will receive moisture due to precipitation. After the watering has been completed, it is necessary to loosen the trunk circle so that moisture does not stagnate in the upper layer of the soil. In addition, due to loosening, excess vegetation and weeds can be removed, which negatively affects the decorativeness of the planting. It is best to water either early in the morning or late at night. The feed should be at a comfortable room temperature, settled, filtered, rained or thawed. Of course, rainwater in this case is the most preferable option, but it is clear that it is not always possible to collect enough of it, so any other moisture listed will do. The water temperature should be at room level, since the celosia absolutely cannot stand watering with cold water - the root system is in shock, there is a high probability of developing diseases, infections or fungi. And even if the weather is hot and dry, the plant will most likely get sick or even die from watering with cold water.

Top dressing should also be dosed and in accordance with the feeding schedule. They start this from about the second month after the plant has been planted in open ground. For this, mineral mixtures with a high content of phosphorus and potassium are perfect, since they have an excellent effect on the growth of green mass and on strengthening the root system. Some experienced gardeners also recommend adding nitrogen, but at the same time it is worth doing this with extreme caution and very carefully, since if you apply more fertilizing than the norm, this can lead to the build-up of abundant green mass, but for flowering the cellosis of strength is no longer at all will remain. So you should be able to identify the norm and those boundaries in order to bring only benefit to the plant and not cause any damage or harm.

If these are complex fertilizers, then they must be applied monthly. But more experienced flower growers advise feeding in accordance with the schedule and tactics - the fertilizer should be divided into several parts, they are diluted with settled water and served together with the introduction of each feeding. Thus, excellent results can be achieved - the concentration of the most useful and nutritious components will always be maintained at the required level, and at the same time the gardener will exclude an excess of fertilizers in the soil, and therefore will feel as comfortable as possible. But it is important to just be aware of how much planting is needed, to monitor how the cellosis reacts to fertilizers, and how to make sure that, with the help of these complexes, bring the plant exceptional benefits at every stage of its growth and development.

If we talk about shelter for the winter period, then, in principle, there is no need to organize it, since even if the plant is thoroughly covered, it will still not survive, and therefore it is annual crop... The scallops are cut and left to dry - this is just necessary in order to obtain seed material for the next planting and propagation of the crop. In addition, the plant can be stored dry for a long time, therefore, to collect seeds, you can put the celosia in a vase - this will also allow you to once again enjoy the aroma that comes from the inflorescences for some time.

Of course, it is worth talking about one important point - this is the fight against possible diseases and pests.In general, this plant has a high level of immunity and stress resistance, but young plants can still suffer from diseases and pests, since their immunity has not yet fully formed, and in the absence of proper care, there is a high probability that the plant may start to get sick.

The main disease that threatens cellosis is a black leg. It appears due to the fact that the gardener is too zealous when introducing moisture into the soil, and also due to the fact that the humidity in the air can also be too high. At the same time, the black leg affects the cellosis if the proper distance is not observed between the plantings, and dense plantings are an ideal environment for plant development. The fact that the plant has undergone such a disease is evidenced by the fact that the base at the stem becomes black, the fungi begin to gradually clog the stem, the sap flow slows down noticeably, which is why the plant begins to gradually wither. As a result, cellosia turns yellow, gradually dries up and dies altogether. The grower should keep in mind that the black leg can easily move with the help of air, as well as through the soil or the grower's tools to other plants, and therefore there is no chance to restore the stem. The plant is dug up and burned so that the infection is destroyed along with the burning. The land at the site of the dug planting should be additionally treated with wood ash, but other plants should not be watered for some time. You can also use some preventive measures, for example, even before planting in open ground, the plant is disinfected with potassium permanganate, and the soil can also be disinfected with it.

We can say that another ailment that affects cellosis is foliar chlorosis, which occurs mainly due to the fact that the plant is deficient in iron. When chlorosis of the leaves begins to develop, the deciduous parts just begin to turn yellow very quickly, and only leaf veins will remain bright. The problem can be quickly and easily solved - for this, you should use top dressing with a high iron content, and then the plant will very quickly make up for this deficiency, it will feel much more comfortable and easier in such conditions.

Pests

If we talk about pests, then aphids are most often found on cellosis. It appears mainly in those areas where a large number of ant colonies are observed. Therefore, if a florist decides to fight aphids, then he should take measures for a more comprehensive fight against ants. You can sprinkle semolina on the site, and sometimes anthills are destroyed by the florist himself, and he does it manually. At first, aphids can wash off perfectly, it is enough to treat the leaves with soapy water, but if suddenly the aphids have spread too much and multiplied, then only insecticidal preparations will help, which are just intended for these purposes and to combat pests and insects. In addition to the fact that the plant eats up aphids, bears are very fond of eating it. These creatures generally position themselves as omnivores, but most of all they like to damage the roots by feeding on root juices. Because of this, the plant begins to wilt very quickly and, as a result, these processes cause the death of the plant. Bears love to live underground, sometimes they get out to the surface, but you can meet them occasionally. They destroy the bear with the same effective insecticides that are poured directly into the soil along with water. Also, some gardeners recommend scattering sweet corn sticks around the area, in which poison against these insects is pre-laid. In addition, fragrant marigolds can be planted along the edges of the flower bed, where the celosia is located, as this will serve as an excellent prevention against bears.

Comb celusion

Comb cellosia - this type is most often found in personal plots, and it is very popular with flower growers. This type of celosia looks great on absolutely any personal plot, the flowers have a bright and decorative color. In general, cellosis are best planted in groups, since the inflorescences in the form of cockscombs look even more attractive and decorative. At the same time, they also perfectly combine with other flower crops of a wide variety of colors and colors, but white celosia looks most impressive. Scallops also just look great and spectacular in combination with marigolds, since these flowers have not only spectacular decorative features, but they are also very useful, since marigolds can scare off many insects and pests. In addition, celosia can generally not be diluted with anything else, it will feel great even in a single planting. The main thing is to choose at least a few shades so that the flowerbed looks solemn and attractive.

Also, celosia can be planted along the paths, for this you can choose the brightest and most spectacular colors. Flowers can be used to frame paths, walls of houses. In addition, in contrast, these plants look incredibly impressive and attractive. Indoor plants also look attractive and interesting. For example, if the choice of a grower fell on undersized plantings, then the gardener will only benefit from this, since the plantings will stand out, will look like bright spots. Celosia can decorate balconies, terraces, window sills. Reviews about this plant are mostly only the most positive, since it is really capable of decorating various territories and rooms. The main thing is to comply with all caring measures that are just prescribed in the framework of agricultural technology.