Question
I have seeds from a Cock's Comb or Celiosa?? plant, and someone told me to sow the seeds in the fall.  Is this correct?  Thanks so much

Answer
Sheila, celosia will reseed itself every fall by dropping seed. It then lies dormant over the winter and germinates in the spring. However, I do not recommend this when propagating the plant on your own. The reason is that only a small percentage of seed will survive the winter.

When starting celosia indoors, they should be sowed in late winter. I always start mine 8 weeks prior to my last expected frost. You can then transplant the seedlings into the garden a few days following the last frost date. Never start them any earlier because they will get spindly by the time they are ready to transplant.

By the way, there is a new hybrid out that I have planted the last two years. It is called Fresh Look Celosia. It has already won numerous awards. It is by far the best looking and longest lasting celosia available on the market today. Although this is the vertical feathery variety, unlike it cockscomb sister, it is well worth planting. You can purchase these seeds only through on-line catalogs such as Park Seed and Burpee. Just type celosia in the search field and page down until you reach this particular variety.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike