January 2023 - 42

VARIETY INFORMATION
the weather, along with other plant
durabilities.
GPN: How can growers capitalize
on celosia?
Scott: People who are new to
gardening aren't as familiar with this
genus, as it was relegated to packs
for so long. If you haven't taken a
look at the new standalone varieties
and series, you should. Also, take advantage of the
marketing materials available from the breeders
and NBG to drive some excitement through your
emails, social media and other advertising.
Denise: There are varieties on the market that
can be tricky to grow, meaning they are more daylength
sensitive than others. However, there are so
many varieties to choose from that growers can choose the
ones that fit their environment and/or their market.
Tim: Celosia is so versatile! It can be used as a potted
plant for decorating indoor spaces, in a patio container for
a small-space or limited outdoor area, or it can be used in
a landscape design or a larger bedding space. There are
also multiple sizes, from compact to tall, and even cutflower
sizes to meet many needs. Many varieties can also
work in high-density production so you can bench-run a
large quantity.
GPN: What are some new/unique/special recent celosia
introductions? What are their characteristics?
Scott: The introduction of 'Dragon's Breath' from Sakata
a few years back really opened people's eyes to how
celosia could be a unique standalone crop for retail, and
sales exploded. It's a great name, but it's a gorgeous, tall,
flowering plant. When retailers offer this in large gallon
pots to show the instant wow-factor, gardeners can't help
but try it. PanAmerican Seed introduced 'Dracula' with that
gorgeous " brain " in dark burgundy and that really caught
attention as well. Again, if you grow this one larger, so
customers can see the big flower and don't have to wait -
it's a great impulse buy.
Denise: The first two that pop to mind is celosia Flamma
series from Sakata (introduced in 2022) with extremely bright
plumes that do not fade or decline throughout the season.
Also, Sakata's celosia 'Dragon's Breath', which is not that
new (introduced in 2015); however, there is nothing else
like it on the market. Its massive flower size and vigor make
it an amazing focal point on a patio! The Twisted series
from Ball FloraPlant is a hybrid C. cristata variety that has
attractive and unique flowers that are a standout.
Tim: Plant durability is a goal for our breeders - plants
that stand up to temperature, weather, lack of moisture,
42
JANUARY 2023 GPNMAG.COM
Clockwise from
top left: 'Celway'
mixture, 'First
Flame Scarlet', and
'Ice Cream' mix.
pests or even neglect. We'd like to help gardeners be
intrigued by celosia's unique flower forms and fun
colors, but also be confident in their purchase to provide
enjoyment throughout the gardening season.
GPN: Is there anything in the pipeline in the celosia
category that you can share?
Tim: Have you explored our foliage celosia Sol collection
yet? These are varieties prized for their leafy foliage in
bronzy reds and greens; their small flowers are just an
added bonus. These have a fast production time and no
downy mildew issues. They take full sun and are perfect
foliage complements in a mixed container or as a border
accent plant.
GPN: What makes celosia especially appealing to
consumers?
Scott: Celosia is a big genus with so much variety - you
can try large plume types, cut flower types, flowers that
look like brains - and they're offered in so many colors,
how could you not find one to love?
Denise: I believe it's the complete sensory satisfaction
that celosia gives. The bright colors are magnetic, and
then you can't help but touch this plant. It's great for
cut flower gardening, children's gardens, centerpieces in
planters, accents in the garden, and you can eat this plant.
Even though we do not here in the U.S., other parts of the
world will use the foliage as a type of " spinach " (aka Lagos
Spinach) or greens for cooking.
Tim: Celosia have bright and vivid color with a flower
form that makes people stop in their tracks to touch or
comment on its unique texture. It is a versatile class that
is relatively easy to care for - especially for the new
gardener who is uncomfortable with the idea of ongoing
maintenance to increase flower production. The simplicity
of celosia's appeal can't be overstated.
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January 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January 2023
