No flower in the garden can escape a busy bee. But she only lands where she can collect plenty of nectar for her honey. Celosias at least bloom lavishly and colorfully. Is that enough for a busy bee pasture? Doesn't look like it.
How bee-friendly is Celosia?
The Celosia, which comes from tropical areas of Africa and is also known as the celosia, attracts bees and other insects with its flowers. But compared to many native plants, itsnectar content is very modestConsequently, it can only be classified asconditionally bee-friendly.
When is the blooming time of Celosia?
The flowering period of Celosia lasts five months,starts in Juneandends in October The individual flowers stay fresh for several weeks. Since the non-hardy Celosia is usually only cultivated as an annual, there is only one flowering period per plant. But it can be propagated from seeds every year.
What do celosia flowers look like?
The Celosia genus combines genes for visually quitedifferent flower shapesSome varieties have flowers that look liketufts. Flowers of other varieties are reminiscent offeathersor even acockscomb Their shape has no influence on their attraction to bees.
Where does Celosia bloom particularly profusely?
Celosia can grow in beds, as a pot plant on the balcony or as a houseplant. It always needsa lot of brightness, but must not be reached by the direct sun. Ideal temperature values are between16 and 21 °C The location should also be protected from the wind and offer high humidity. If the Celosia is to grow and bloom for several years, it must be kept in a pot and overwintered indoors as soon as it gets colder than 10 °C outside. The ideal soil or substrate is slightly acidic.
How can I care for Celosia to bloom?
The optimal care that leads to an abundance of flowers in this foxtail plant includes several points:
- uniform water supply
- when it is dry it leaves its leaves hanging
- monthly fertilization during the growth and flowering phase
- with liquid fertilizer for flowering plants
- Avoid over-fertilization (loses flower color)
- cleaning out of withered flowers
- regular checks for lice
Tip
Prefer Celosia indoors for a long flowering period
Celosia is not hardy, which is why it should not be sown outside too early. So that you can look forward to maximum flowering together with the bees, you should bring them indoors from March onwards.
