Celosia cristata. Tender annual
This fine old-fashioned flower has won renewed popularity of late years,
probably as the result of a number of well-grown plants exhibited at
horticultural shows. Those who can produce handsome Cinerarias, Balsams,
and Calceolarias, will be likely to turn out
grand Cockscombs, strongly
coloured and on dwarf, leafy plants. Liberal culture is essential, and
the first start should be made in a compost consisting mainly of rich
light friable loam. Sow the seeds on a rather brisk heat in February or
March, a newly-made but sweet hot-bed being the best place for the
seed-pans. Prick out early into very small pots, and shift on so as to
encourage growth without a check, and keep the plants on the hot-bed
until the combs are formed. It is well not to shift beyond the
8-1/2-inch size; then, by allowing the roots to become pot-bound, the
combs are soon produced. It matters not how select the seed, or how
careful the culture, a certain proportion of unsymmetrical combs will
appear; but these, if richly coloured, will be useful for decorative
purposes, and should have all the attention needed to keep their leaves
fresh and the combs pure in colour.
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