Celosia argentea var. cristata (Cristata Group) 'Act Vida'

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cockscomb 'Act Vida'

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An annual to around 75cm in height with green, veined foliage and broad, bright green-yellow flower combs on tall, strong, unbranched stems. Part of the Celosia Act series, which is known for its bright colors, long vase life, and resistance to disease

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Amaranthaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Celosia can be annuals, perennials or shrubs, with simple or lobed, alternate leaves and tiny, brightly coloured flowers in large, plume-like inflorescences. Many garden selections are closely related to C. argentea
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Place the plant in a bright spot with indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause the flower colors to fade. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Avoid delaying transplanting to avoid root damage and stunted growth.

Propagation

Propagate by seeds in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Bedding
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly and aphids may be a problem under glass

Diseases

Resistant to diseases such as Botrytis and Fusarium.