Celosia Kimono

Plug Culture – 288
Stage 1 (days 1-10) - Sow seeds in a well-drained soil mix with a pH between 5.5 and 6.0 and low soluble salts (ideally less than 0.7 mmhos 2:1 extraction). Cover the seed lightly with media or vermiculite. Provide a soil temperature of 70-75o F (21-24o C). Germination takes place in 7 to 10 days. Since the root system is very delicate, either direct sow or transplant from plugs.

Stage 2 (days 10 - 20) - After seedlings emerge, place plug flats in a well ventilated area and reduce the temperature to 66-70o F days (19-21o C) and 61-64o F nights (16-18o C). Fertilize plugs lightly with 50 – 100 ppm of Nitrogen. Over watering will promote disease; especially damping off and botrytis.

Stage 3 (days 20 - 27) - Maintain good air circulation and keep media EC levels around 0.8 to 1.0 mmhos (2:1 extraction). Celosia is sensitive to day length and any type of stress; like water or high temperature. Avoid stressing the plugs or else they can bud prematurely and cause stunted growth later in production. Celosia will bloom more quickly under short day conditions.

Stage 4 (day 28) - Plugs are ready for transplanting. Celosia makes a taproot and is sensitive to root damage. Be careful not to damage the delicate root system. Transplant before the taproot emerges. It is best to handle Celosia by the leaves to prevent damaging the soft delicate stem. Also avoid deep transplanting to prevent rhizoctonia. Do not delay transplanting. Holding the plugs too long in the plug tray will stunt future development of the plant and might cause premature budding.

Transplanting to flowering – 4 to 6 weeks
Media: Select a well-drained media with a low starter charge. Ideal pH is 5.5 to 6.0.

Temperature: Maintain the plants at a temperature of 61-75o F (16-24o C).

Light: High light, full sun is best.

Growth Regulator: Not necessary. Do not pinch.

Fertilization: Feed with 150-200 ppm N as needed to maintain the EC at 1.0 to 1.4 mmhos (2:1 extraction). It is important to supply sufficient amounts of Potassium in the fertilizer. A lack of Potassium will cause smaller flower plumes to be formed along with abnormal shaped flowers.

Cultural Watch Points: Celosia Kimono must be kept growing vigorously in order to reach favorable size before flowering slows their growth. Stress from lack of fertilizer or water or root binding will cause the plume to form prematurely with very poor growth in the garden. Celosia is susceptible to Pythium, Downy Mildew, Botrytis, Rhizoctonia, Aphids and Thrips. Boron deficiency can cause deformed foliage and a witches broom effect. Some colors are more sensitive to boron deficiency than others. Celosia can also be sensitive to vaporized gases of certain herbicides like methylurea, methoxy, dichlorophenyl and dichlorobenzonitrile. Avoid low temperatures (under 61o F / 16o C).