UGRA COCKSCOMB MIXED Celosia argentea cristata Seed  (15 per packet)

Attractive in summer gardens! Cockscomb (Celosia cristata) yields brilliant flowers that are long lasting and similar in appearance to the cock’s “comb” on a rooster’s head. Compact plants grow 12-inch tall and are a nice addition to beds borders and rock gardens. May be dried and used in cut flower arrangements too. Planting and Growing Tips: These heat loving and moderately drought tolerant plants thrive in sunny locations with rich, well drained soil. Start indoors 3- to 4-weeks before the last frost date of spring or direct sow in prepared garden beds after temperatures have warmed. Keep moist while germinating and thin seedlings 10- to 18-inches apart in all directions. Add a layer of mulch to conserve moisture, improve aesthetics and hinder weeds. Pinch off spent blossoms on a regular basis — or use them as cuttings in flower arrangements — to extend the blooming period. After a killing frost, remove plants and add to the compost pile.