Propagate by seed - Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before the last frost. Cover them with soil, since light inhibits their germination. Can also be sown outdoors after the last frost is reached. Pre-started plants are often available at retail outlets.

Germination temperature: 65 F to 70 F

Days to emergence: 14 to 21

May need staking. Requires regular watering. Plants purchased in cell-packs with crowded roots may develop slowly or may not develop at all if the crowded roots stop growing.

More growing information: How to Grow Annuals

Spider mites

Oedema
Parasitic nematodes
Powdery mildew
Fungal leaf spot

Look for varieties with different heights, flower colors, and some with reddish foliage.

'Apricot Brandy': orange flowers on 18" tall plants.

�Geisha� Mix: wide variety of flower colors on dwarf (10� tall) plants. Excellent for pots.

�Kewpie� Mix: very dwarf plants (8 to 10� tall) in a wide variety of flower colors. Early flowering.

�Castle� Series: wide variety of flower colors. Flowers retain color much longer than traditional Celosia blooms. Very drought and heat resistant.

'Bombay' Series: variety of bright flower colors. Long-lasting flowers on early blooming, heat tolerant plants.

�Fairy Fountains�: a mix of flower colors. Dwarf plants (1� tall or less).

�Century� Series: 2� tall plants with various flower colors. Some have bronze foliage. Large flower heads, dense plants.

�Gloria� Series: dwarf (8� tall) plants with a variety of flower colors. Compact.

�Kimono� Series: very dwarf (4 to 6�) plants with dense foliage and uniform flower heads. Variety of flower colors.