COCKSCOMB

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.