Celosia Flamingo Feather – “Celosia spicata”

🌾 Celosia spicata ‘Flamingo Feather’
Elegant feathery spires in soft rose-pink hues

Celosia spicata, commonly known as Flamingo Feather, brings texture, movement, and colour to gardens and floral arrangements. Its soft, tapered blooms range from pale pink to silvery mauve, swaying gently in the breeze like flamingo plumes. A heat-tolerant and drought-resilient annual that thrives in South African summers, it’s a favourite for borders, wildflower-style gardens, and florist cutting beds.

🌱 How to Grow:

Sowing Time (South Africa):

• Spring to early summer (September–December)

• Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost or directly outdoors once soil has warmed.

Germination:

• 7–14 days at 20–24°C

• Light aids germination — press seeds gently into the surface without covering heavily.

Transplanting:

• Transplant after all danger of frost has passed.

• Space seedlings 25–30 cm apart.

🌞 Position:

• Full sun – loves long, hot days.

• Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

🪨 Soil:

• Light, well-draining soil with moderate fertility

• Avoid overly rich soils to prevent floppy growth.

💧 Watering:

• Moderate water needs — water deeply but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.

• Tolerates dry spells once established.

🌼 Flowering Time:

• 10–12 weeks from sowing

• Blooms from early summer to autumn

📏 Height & Spread:

• 60–90 cm tall

• 25–30 cm spread

🌿 Top Tips:

• Pinch out the main stem when plants are 10–15 cm tall to encourage branching.

• Ideal as a filler flower for bouquets and arrangements.

• Dries beautifully for everlasting decor.

• Loved by bees and butterflies 🐝🦋

🔥 Why Grow Flamingo Feather?
✔️ Easy and fast-growing
✔️ Handles heat like a champ
✔️ Unique texture for fresh or dried arrangements
✔️ Great for pollinators and eco-gardens