Coming primarily from tropical regions, the Celosia is of course not hardy. Various species of silver crested crest are cultivated here as houseplants or annual summer flowers. Their very different flower shapes do not reveal the relationship at first glance.
Are celosias hardy and how do I overwinter them?
Celosias are not hardy and should therefore be overwintered in a heated room at temperatures between 16 and 24 °C. The plant should continue to be watered and, if necessary, lightly fertilized.
How should I overwinter my celosias?
The easy-care celosias can spend the summer well on the balcony or in the garden bed, at least if it is not an overly wet, “typical North German” summer. In winter they feel much more comfortable in the heated living room. They like temperatures between around 16 and 24 °C, so they don't like the cold winter quarters for other summer flowers. Care changes only slightly during this time.
How do I care for my celosias?
As in its original home, the Celosia would like to have a warm place with you. In summer this can be a sunny location on the balcony or in the garden. However, the Celosia doesn't particularly like the blazing midday sun, so it needs light sun protection. It prefers a rather sandy soil that is well-drained, but also gets along well with normal soil.
Water your Celosia as soon as the top layer of soil has dried slightly and, if the soil is poor, add a little liquid fertilizer (€6.00 on Amazon) to the irrigation water about every 14 days. By cutting flowers regularly, you encourage the plant to form new buds. The Celosia is very suitable as a cut flower and also for dry bouquets. It's even edible. The leaves can be used to prepare a vegetable similar to spinach.
Winter tips for Celosia:
- overwinter relatively warm
- ideal temperature: 16 – 24 °C
- hardly water less
- fertilize slightly less or not at all
Tip
It is better to overwinter your celosias in a living room that is not too heated than in an unheated winter garden. You don't get the cold. Many types of Celosia are also suitable as houseplants.