Among home plants with decorative and healing qualities, celosia is far from the first in popularity, however, the unique qualities of a flower are highly appreciated by professional gardeners. In the circles of Russian floriculture lovers, scallop celosia, which is also called a velvet flower or cockscomb, is most common. First of all, the plant is distinguished by unusual inflorescences, which can have different shades. Although the decorative qualities of celosia are best disclosed in the summer, under appropriate conditions it can be grown in the winter. In addition, a velvet flower is able to produce a healing effect in the fight against certain diseases.
General information
Scallop celosia can be attributed to annual plants. It has green growing stems with a ribbed surface and ovate leaves with pointed ends. Unlike the stem, the scallop leaves are smooth, and the hue can be not only green, but also dark purple. Paniculate inflorescences are formed by miniature flowers of various shades. By the way, the variety of rich and saturated colors is one of the main decorative advantages that scallop celosia has. The height of the plant is 30-70 cm, allowing you to decorate them with small home gardens and outdoor flower beds. The flowering period lasts from mid-summer to the start of frost. The seeds retain the possibility of germination for 5 years.
Landing place
Since the homeland of celosia is southern countries, it is desirable to grow it in a sunny place that is protected from the wind. A slightly acidic and loose soil is preferable, but with special preparation a good result is possible in heavy soil. In the second case, a little sand component should be added to the soil layer, which will ensure the looseness of the earth. In addition, scallop celosia responds well to humus, and on any type of soil.
If you plan to land in open ground, this should be done in the summer - at the beginning of June. Especially this rule applies to young or non-acclimatized seedlings. In the conditions of the slightest frost, the plant dies. But this does not mean that in winter, planting a flower is contraindicated. It all depends on the conditions that can be created in the room. The only thing that prevents the full development of celosia at this time is the lack of sunlight.
Temperature mode
If cultivation is expected at home, then the optimal temperature in the room will be 18 ° C. At the same time, 14 ° C is the permissible lower limit. Oddly enough, scallop celosia, which is grown outdoors, is less demanding on temperature conditions and can tolerate higher rates. Although the boundaries of negative readings on the thermometer remain relevant in this case. Consideration should be given to ventilation conditions. For example, if the temperature exceeds 25 ° C, then the room must be ventilated.
Seed growing
It is recommended to grow celosia seeds, since cuttings propagation is not able to provide the very aesthetic properties for which this plant is loved.
The best time for sowing is the end of March or the first days of April. A week later, the "cockerel" sprouts. It is not necessary to sow densely, it is better to observe intervals of 3 cm. Seeds are scattered on moist soil, and then covered with a film, which is removed one week after the first seedlings are detected.
Seedlings
This method is recommended for more experienced gardeners who are familiar with the care requirements that scallop celosia presents. Growing from seeds does not provide for special measures in the process of flower growth, but seedlings can give a satisfactory result only if the seedlings are carefully taken care of. Among the mandatory care measures is the protection of immature young seedlings from the sun. In the household, a newspaper is usually used for this purpose, with the help of which young scallops are temporarily covered.
Planting seedlings is carried out in a flower garden or on a flower bed with a specific step. For example, if you plan to plant large varieties, then the gap should be 30 cm, and if dwarf celosia - 15 cm. But in most cases scallop celosia is initially planted in one container and goes through the first stage of growth and development in the room. When the plant grows, it should be dived into a pot up to 8 cm high. But it is best to plant the seedlings in separate pots initially - if in the future they plan to transplant into the open ground, this approach will exclude possible damage to the root system.
Care and feeding
The main problem in caring for scallops is the need to create greenhouse conditions. Breeders brought out many cold-resistant forms of plants, but they also give the best decorative effect only in the optimal thermal regime. It is important to note that combed celosia, the cultivation and care of which is carried out on the balcony or in the home garden, is also very demanding. Firstly, access to the sun should be provided, and secondly, water supply should be regulated. It does not need to be poured, but moderately supplying the roots with moisture is necessary.
In fertilizer and top dressing, celosia is unpretentious. The best choice would be a dosed supply of phosphorus-potassium liquid fertilizer. Conversely, nitrogen top dressing is not recommended, as they contribute to increased growth of green mass. If scallop dwarf celosia is grown, then the leaves with this nutrition will completely eclipse the inflorescences. Also, to maintain a healthy and flowering scallop appearance, you should regularly inspect its leaves and remove the dried flower.
Protection against diseases and pests
One of the most dangerous pests of celosia is the aphid, which affects both leaves and shoots. In the fight against it and other insects, acids are effective. The common problems of fragile young seedlings include the black leg - to prevent this disease, watering should again be controlled. It must be carried out in the early morning and only on sunny days. The plant is sensitive to weather events, on cloudy days you can exclude watering procedures.
If scallop celosia has nevertheless undergone the development of the “black leg”, loosen the soil, cover it with ash and minimize watering. The fact is that insufficient drainage or excess water can cause the development of fungal diseases. In addition, iron deficiency is dangerous, which leads to an increase in soil pH and deciduous chlorosis. To deal with this disease of celosia will help drugs with chelates (a type of iron compounds).
Application
The main motivation of people who decide to make scallop celosia is, of course, a decorative role. The plant looks attractive both in the composition of the flower arrangement in the flowerbed and as an independent decoration on the balcony. It is also one of the species widely used in composing ikebana. To do this, florists cut flowers to seed and dry them in a cool dark place so that they retain their shape and color.
Celosia is also famous for its healing qualities. In traditional medicine, it is used as a means to strengthen vision, treat blood diseases, to eliminate worms and to heal ulcers in the oral cavity. The greatest interest in the circles of specialists of the plant is due to the ability to fight cancer and diabetes. In particular, the use of scallop celosia leaves for diabetes is common as an ingredient for salads, soups, side dishes, etc. There is another, more effective recipe, which involves the use of dry rooster scallop leaves. For cooking, you need 2 tbsp. l dried leaves and 1 cup boiled water. Leaves are filled with water and infused for about 30 minutes. The intensity of taking such a tincture depends on the disease and its severity.