Cockscomb
Celosia argentea var. Cristata

Cockscomb Plant

Cockscomb (Celosia cristata) is an annual that grows 1-3 ft tall, hardy in USDA Zones 10-11, prefers well-drained, loamy soil, full sun, medium moisture, is not edible, and has medicinal uses.


Picture illustrating Cockscomb plant

Habit

Upright 

Height

30-100 cm

Growth

Annual 

Soil

 Well-drained, loamy

Shade

Full Sun

Moisture

Moderate

Edible

No 

Medicinal

 No

Origin

Africa, Asia

Climatic Condition

Tropical, Subtropical

Temperature (°)

20-35°C

Humidity (%)

50-80%

Potting media

Peat, compost

Fertilizers

Phosphorus-rich NPK

Watering

Moderate watering

Plant Weight 

200-500 g

Flowering Time

Spring to Fall

Soil Ph level

6.0 - 7.5

Water Ph level

6.0 - 7.5

Soil EC

1-2 dS/m

Yield Per Plant 

Ornamental

NPK ratio 

10:20:10

life Span

Annual

Health Benefits

Cardiovascular benefits

Suggested Grow Media or Potting Mix ?

 40% compost, 30% peat moss, 30% perlite


Suggested Fertigation/Fertilizers

 Fertilize every 2 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.

Common Diseases and Remedies

Downy Mildew, Leaf Spot, Fusarium Wilt, Aphids

 White or grayish fungal growth on undersides of leaves Circular brown spots on leaves Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth Curling leaves, sticky residue Stunted growth, root galls

Improve air circulation, neem oil Remove infected leaves, compost tea Solarizing soil, crop rotation Insecticidal soap, neem oil Soil solarization, nematode-resistant plants

Copper-based fungicides, Chlorothalonil, Fungicides with thiophanate-methyl, Insecticides containing imidacloprid, Nematicides containing fenamiphos

                  HEALTH BENEFITS

·  Used in traditional medicine for treating diarrhea and dysentery.

·  Has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.

·  Contains antioxidants that may help with eye health.

Strawflower
Xerochrysum(Helichrysum) bracteatum