How to Dry Cockscomb Flowers
Cockscombs (Celosia argentea var. cristata) are annual flowering plants in the Amaranthaceae family with flowerheads reminiscent of the comb of a rooster. “Cockscombs” refers to specific cultivars in the Cristata group.
Cockscombs are part of a group known as "everlasting flowers," which means their color and shape are preserved even after they are dry. Therefore, dry cockscomb flowers are often used in dried flower arrangements and wreaths. They also make a good cut flower for bouquets.
Growing Cockscomb Flowers
In order to have cockscomb flowers to dry for floral arrangements, you'll first need to grow them. These plants grow better in garden beds than in containers.
Cockscomb plants can be grown from seed sowed directly into the flower garden. Celosia seeds can also be started indoors two months before the last frost and then transplanted once the soil warms up. Germination of cockscomb seeds takes between 7 and 10 days.
Cockscombs are low-maintenance plants. They grow best in well-draining soil that has a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. It is important not to overwater these garden plants, which can succumb to root rot.
Plant cockscombs where they will receive full sun, which means six hours of direct sunlight every day. Feeding these plants once a month with a fertilizer formula that contains more phosphorus than nitrogen can result in better blooming.
Harvesting Cockscomb Flowers
For cockscombs and other everlasting flowers to look their best when they are dried, it is important to harvest them at the right moment. These plants bloom from June through September. Deadheading them can prolong bloom time.
You know cockscombs are ready to be harvested when you see flower seeds starting to form just below the flowerhead. Harvesting too soon or too late can affect the quality of the dried flowers.
Tip
If you plan on drying cockscomb flowers, harvest them as soon as you see seeds beginning to form below the flowerhead.
How to Dry Cockscomb Flowers
Cockscombs can be air dried. The first step is to remove all the leaves from the stems. Then, you'll want to tie several flowers together using a piece of string or a rubber band. Hang them upside down. This keeps the stems straight.
Choose a warm, dark, dry place with good air circulation, such as an attic.
Tip
Cockscomb flowers are best dried by hanging them upside down in a dark, dry place.
It can take two weeks to a month for the flowers to be fully dry.
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Writer Bio
Since beginning her career as a professional journalist in 2007, Nathalie Alonso has covered a myriad of topics, including arts, culture and travel, for newspapers and magazines in New York City. She holds a B.A. in American Studies from Columbia University and lives in Queens with her two cats.
