Celosia cristata Brainiac

Big, dense and early flowering heads
Compact and uniform plant habit
Tolerates hot conditions in moderate climates
Recommended for pots and packs

Culture guide
Usage
Mass plantings, specimen plant and mixed containers

Sow time
January-June

Sowing method
1 seed per plug

Germination
Stage 1: 7-10 days at 25 °C; Stage II-IV: 11-20 days at 18-21 °C day temperature and 15-18 °C night temperature. Use media with low soluble salt levels and pH: 5.5-6.0. Requires light for germination. Cover seed lightly with vermiculite after sowing. Keep soil slightly moist but not wet.

Media
Use a well-drained, growing substrate with 15-30 % clay, 1-1,5 kg/m3 complete balanced fertilizer, iron-chelate, micronutrients, pH: 5.5-6.0.

Temperature
Grow at 18-20 °C. At the end of the cultivation time decrease the temperature to 16 °C. Avoid temperatures below 16 °C, because Celosia needs warm temperatures to grow.

Fertilization
Moderate fertilization levels are required. Fertilize the crop weekly with 150-200 ppm nitrogen, using a potassium and phosphate balanced fertilizer (N: K₂O-Ratio: 1 :1,5). Avoid high ammonium and high nitrogen levels. Prevent magnesium deficiency by applying magnesium sulphate (0,05 %) 1-2 times and in case of iron deficiency apply iron-chelate for 1-2 times.