Celosia argentea var. cristata, commonly known as cockscomb, is an annual flowering plant native to Africa. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant with colorful, crested flower heads resembling cockscombs, and also as a leafy vegetable. The leaves and young stems are eaten as a spinach-like green in parts of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. Celosia is easy to grow with few pest or disease problems, produces abundant seeds, and reseeds readily, making it a sustainable crop for tropical regions.

1. Celosia argentea var. cristata
Amaranthaceae

2. Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Core eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Amaranthaceae
Genus: Celosia
Species: C. argentea

3. Species
• Celosia argentea
• Celosia cristata
• Celosia nitida
• Celosia palmeri
• Celosia plumosa
• Celosia trigyna
• Celosia virgata

4. Introduction
• Celosia is a small genus of edible and ornamental plants, similar
in appearance and uses to the amaranths.
• Deriving from the Greek word ‘kelos,’ meaning burned.
• They are sometimes called cockscombs or woolflowers.
• The name itself refers to the plant’s brilliant appearance and
striking flame-like flower heads which resemble cockscombs.
• The name "cockscomb" is restricted to those whose flower
heads are crested by fasciation.
• The plant is well known in East Africa’s highlands

5. Origin and uses
• Despite its African origin (a claim that is not without dispute), celosia is known as
a foodstuff in Indonesia and India.
• Moreover, in the future it might become more widely eaten, especially in the hot
and malnourished regions of the equatorial zone.
• In that regard, it has already been hailed as the often-wished-for vegetable that
“grows like a weed without demanding all the tender loving care that other
vegetables seem to need”
• Martin Price of Florida says "“Every place I have tried it, it grows with no work.
• We have had no disease problems and very little insect damage.
• It reseeds itself abundantly and new plants have come up in the immediate
vicinity.

6. As a food
• Celosia argentea var. argentea or Lagos spinach is a broadleaf annual leaf vegetable
• It grows widespread across in México, where is know as "Velvet flower", northern South America,
tropical Africa, the West Indies, South, East and Southeast Asia where it is grown as a native or
naturalized wildflower,
• and is cultivated as a nutritious leafy green vegetable.
• It is traditional fare in countries of Central and West Africa, and is one of the leading leafy green
vegetables in Nigeria, where it is known as ‘soko yokoto’, meaning "make husbands fat and happy”
• In Spain is known, because of its appearance, as "Rooster comb".
• As a grain, Cockscomb is a pseudo-cereal, not a true cereal.
• These leaves are used—not to mention young stems and young inflorescences—soften up readily and
are used for stew.
• The leaves also have a soft texture and has a mild spinach-like taste.
• They are also pepped up with such things as hot pepper, garlic, fresh lime, and red palm oil and eaten as
a side dish.

7. Uses
• It is used as a treatment for intestinal worms (particularly tapeworm), blood diseases,
mouth sores, eye problems.
• The seeds treat chest complaints and the flowers treat diarrhea.
• The leaves are used as dressings for boils and sores, and the boiled vegetables are said
to be slightly diuretic.
As a garden plant
• Seed production in these species can be very high, 200-700 kg per hectare.
• One ounce of seed may contain up to 43,005 seeds.
• One thousand seeds can weigh 1.0-1.2 grams
• Depending upon the location and fertility of the soil, blossoms can last 8-10 weeks.
• Celosia cristata is a common garden ornamental plant

8. Cultivation
• Category: Annuals
• Height:24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
• Spacing:9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun
• Bloom Color: Red Orange Bright Yellow White/Near White
• Bloom Time : Mid Summer
• Foliage: Blue-Green ,Shiny/Glossy-Textured,Good Fall Color
• Other details:
– Average Water Needs;
– Water regularly;
– do not overwater
– This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
• Soil pH requirements:,6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic),6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
• Patent Information: Non-patented
• Propagation Methods: From seed; direct sow after last frost
• Seed Collecting: Collect seedhead/pod when flowers fade; allow to dry