Quail Grass 'Kimono Yellow' Celosia argentea var. cristata (Plumosa Group) 'Kimono Yellow' (Kimono Series)

Water

Cockscombs, like the 'Kimono Yellow', prefer consistent moisture in well-draining soil. During the growing season, water them thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry. This might translate to watering once every 7 to 10 days, depending on the climate and weather conditions. Each watering should be deep enough to moisten the soil without waterlogging it, which might mean about 1 to 2 gallons, depending on the size of the plant and the pot. Reduce watering frequency in the cooler months to prevent root rot.

Light

Cockscombs require full sun to flourish, meaning they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place the 'Kimono Yellow' in a location that receives unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day. An east or west-facing window can be ideal for indoor growing, while an open spot in the garden suits outdoor growth.

Temperature

Cockscombs thrive in warm conditions and should be kept in temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They are not cold-hardy and may not survive temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for vigorous growth and flowering of 'Kimono Yellow' is between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Pruning cockscombs encourages bushier growth and more blooms. For 'Kimono Yellow', deadhead spent flowers to promote continued blooming. Trim back any leggy or overgrown stems during the growing season to maintain a neat shape. The best time for pruning is late spring or early summer when the plant starts to put out new growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

For the Cockscomb 'Kimono Yellow', the best soil mix is well-draining with a mix of regular potting soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand. The ideal pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.1 to 7.5.

Repotting

Cockscomb 'Kimono Yellow' should be repotted every 1-2 years in the spring, before the onset of the growth season, to ensure it has enough space and nutrients to grow.

Humidity & Misting

Cockscomb 'Kimono Yellow' thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally around 40-60%, but can tolerate lower humidity environments as well.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, moderate water.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Celosia argentea var. cristata (Plumosa Group) 'Kimono Yellow', commonly known as the Cockscomb, begins its life as a seed typically sown indoors in late winter to early spring. Germination occurs within 1-2 weeks in warm conditions, after which the seedling develops true leaves and is eventually transplanted outdoors following the last frost when soil temperatures are warm. The vegetative stage of growth involves the plant producing a rosette of leaves and elongating its stem. During the flowering stage in summer and early fall, the Cockscomb produces vibrant yellow, feathery plumes that are prized for their ornamental value. After pollination, seeds develop that will be dispersed or collected once the plant senesces at the end of the growing season. These seeds can remain dormant over the winter until suitable conditions for germination return in the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Celosia argentea var. cristata, commonly known as crested cockscomb, is most popularly propagated through its seeds. The best time to sow cockscomb seeds is in the spring after the last frost when the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F (15.6°C). Seeds should be surface sown on well-drained soil and lightly pressed in or covered with a thin layer of soil no more than one-eighth of an inch deep. They require consistent moisture to germinate, which typically occurs within 7 to 14 days. Once the seedlings develop true leaves, they can be thinned and eventually transplanted outdoors, maintaining a space of about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) between plants to ensure ample airflow and prevent mildew issues as the plants mature.