Celosia CELWAY PURPLE
Celosia argentea spicata
 
New! Versatile blooms in vibrant magenta-purple.
Productive plants produce sturdy stems with 2–4" clusters of flower spikes. Blooms tuck neatly into bouquets and add a touch of sparkle.  Celway Purple flowers later on taller plants and sturdy stems. To encourage increased stem production and branching, pinching is recommended at seedling stage, when about 6" in height
 
One central spiky plume is surrounded by several smaller spikes for a well-filled look. Short, programmable production time. Suitable for high-density production. Strong stems with small top leaves allow for good sleeving and shippability.
 
Details:
Plant life cycle: annual
Site:Full sun
Days to maturity : 90-100 days
Height: 30-40 "
Sow: surface, press into a soil
Plant spacing:6-12"
Pinch : whem 6" tall
Approx seeds per pkt : 100 
 
How to grow:
 
Days to germination:
8-14 days at 70-80°F (21-27°C). Bottom water or mist lightly to avoid displacing seeds and soil.

Sowing:
Transplant (recommended) - Sow into 72-cell flats, or preferred seedling container, 6-8 weeks before last frost. Light is required for germination; cover very lightly to hold seeds in place. Grow seedlings at 63-68°F (17-20°C). Harden off and transplant out after last frost.

Direct seed - Only in locations with a long growing season. Sow 1/8" deep, after last frost. Pinching is recommended to encourage branching. Low temperatures and less than 12 hours of light can cause premature flowering.

Harvest :Celosia is exceptional as a cut flower and can be used both fresh and dried. Fresh - Harvest when the flowers are fully developed, and stems are firm at the base of the bloom. Dried - Harvest at the same stage of growth as you would for fresh flowers. Remove all the foliage and hang in a dark, well-ventilated location to dry.


Vase life :7-14 days. Ideal storage temperature 36-41°F (2-5°C).



Soil requirements:Well-drained, moist, fertile soil high in organic matter. pH of 6.0-7.0 preferred.

Uses:Excellent cut flower, fresh or dried. Borders, beds, and containers. 

Note: Pinching is not necessary for all species of Celosia but is still recommended to increase branching (the number of stems and flowers produced) and uniform flower size. Pinching is highly recommended for C. cristata and C. plumosa. To pinch, when plants are 6–12" tall, use your thumb and index finger or sterilized scissors to remove the growing point.