Cockscomb flowers belong to the celosia family, which is known for unique inflorescences and beautiful blooms. The celosia family consists of three different flowers: Plumosa, Spicata, and Cockscomb. All three of them are known for their unique beauty and features.
If you are looking for a flower that is ideal for a home garden or DIY bouquets, the cockscomb flower is the right choice. However, it is important to know everything about the cockscomb flower before you decide to plant it in your garden.
This blog covers different varieties of Cockscomb, its propagation rules, and growing tips for healthy and vibrant blooms.
Types of Cockscomb Flower
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Cramer’s Burgundy: It has bright, dark-pink to red flower heads that will make your garden look bold and attractive.
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Supercrest: This flower can grow very large, up to 12 inches wide, within a month after it first starts blooming.
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Chief Rose: It has a vibrant hot-pink crest that is added to flower bouquets for a stunning look.
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Fan Dance Scarlet: It has wide, fan-shaped red crests that appear unique, beautiful, and bloom early in the season.
Is It Possible to Propagate Cockscomb?
There are many new varieties, protected by patents that last for 20 years. The patents preserve the hard work and money that breeders invest in developing new plants, a process that requires 6 to 8 years. It is illegal to propagate a patent plant without due permission. Hence, it is crucial to know about the type you want to grow before propagating cockscomb plants.
Look at the tag or description of the plant to check if it’s patented. Wide new varieties of specific brand or variety names are sold under registration with the U.S. Patent Office. You can also look for symbols like a TM or ® to check whether the plant is legally protected or not.
Nonetheless, you are allowed to propagate old cockscomb varieties that have been grown for decades by using stem cuttings. During this process, you can cut a few inches long stem, remove the lower leaves, and dip the end area into rooting hormone to encourage faster root development. Place the stem into a container filled with moist potting soil and drainage holes; roots should form within a few weeks.
How to Grow Cockscomb From Seed?
Soil Preparation
You can grow Cockscomb in two ways: by starting seeds indoors or by sowing them directly in the garden. If you decide to start indoors, make sure to begin 10 weeks before the last expected frost by filling the seed flats with a good-quality seed-starting mix. For outdoor planting, loosen the top layer of soil gently with a rake to ensure the seeds settle down easily. Those who live in warmer regions can grow Cockscomb as a perennial by sowing the seeds directly outdoors from mid-spring onward.
Seed Placement
Plant the seeds gently by keeping them on the surface of the soil. Plant one seed per cell for indoor seed trays and keep at least 6 inches of space between each seed for outdoor sowing. Make sure to cover the seeds with about a quarter of soil or seed-starting mix.
Maintain Moisture Level
While watering, ensure the soil remains evenly moist but not soggy. For indoor trays, you can use plastic wrap or a plastic cover over seed flats to lock in moisture, and for outdoors, water the seeds lightly to keep the soil moist without disturbing the seeds.
Maintain Temperature and Provide Light
Keep the indoor seedlings under bright conditions for 12 to 16 hours daily between 75°F and 80°F temperatures for better growth. Seeds take 7 to 10 days to germinate under these conditions.
Reduce Watering
It is important to stop watering once seedlings start appearing to allow the soil to dry a little. It helps avoid damping-off caused by plant disease, which can further cause damage to seedlings.
Harden Off the Seedlings
After about a month, leaves will start developing on the seedlings, so make sure to harden them off in a timely manner. Start exposing them to outdoor conditions by keeping them outside for a few hours daily, and gradually increase the time. Follow this step only when the temperature is warm enough.
Plant in the Ground or Container
Once the seedlings are fully hardened with no risk of frost, make sure to plant them back in garden beds or outdoor containers.
To Conclude!
Planting cockscomb flowers is a smart decision if you wish to create a lasting visual impact in your garden. It comes with lively colors and bold formation, which makes it a perfect choice. It can be used in elegant bouquets or for commercial purposes like selling at a farmer’s market or to florists. You can also use it to enhance the beauty of your home garden.
