Orient #2 Dwarf Cockscomb is a stunning heirloom celosia that defies its modest stature with outsized personality. These super-compact plants reach just 6 inches tall but produce massive, lipstick-red flower crests measuring 8 inches or more across, with tightly woven, intricately wrinkled texture that catches every bit of sunlight. Hardy in zones 10-11 and thriving in full sun with moderate water, it grows quickly from seed, sprouting in 14-21 days at temperatures between 60-95°F. The edible flowers transform into a lovely herbal tea, adding an unexpected culinary dimension to a plant that's pure visual drama.
Full Sun
Moderate
10-11
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Low
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The stunning contradiction at the heart of Orient #2 lies in its name: a truly dwarf plant bearing flowers that dwarf everything around it. Those lipstick-red crests with their densely wrinkled texture create almost a sculptural presence, utterly disproportionate to the tidy 6-inch frame holding them. Planted en masse or in a foreground position, it becomes a visual anchor; in containers and window boxes, it commands attention without taking up space. The flowers are edible, brewing into a uniquely colored and flavored herbal tea that makes this variety genuinely useful beyond ornament.
Orient #2 serves as both a striking ornamental bedding plant and an edible flower variety. It excels in small spaces, thriving in containers, window boxes, and compact garden beds where its dense, tidy growth habit prevents it from overwhelming neighboring plants. When massed in borders or positioned at the front of mixed plantings, the lipstick-red crests create bold focal points. The edible flowers can be harvested and dried for herbal tea, offering gardeners a dual-purpose plant that bridges ornamental and culinary gardening.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Sow seeds on the surface or just barely press them into seed-starting mix, as they need light to germinate. Maintain soil temperature between 70-85°F for optimal sprouting, which typically occurs within 14-21 days. Provide bright light once seedlings emerge to prevent leggy growth.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after your last frost date when soil has warmed to at least 60°F. Harden off seedlings gradually over 7-10 days by exposing them to increasing periods of outdoor conditions. Space transplants 6 inches apart in full sun locations. Water gently after transplanting to settle soil around the roots.
Harvest flowers for tea once the crests have fully formed and deepened to their rich lipstick-red color. Pinch or snip individual flower heads from the plant using clean scissors or pruners. Flowers can be used fresh or dried for tea; to dry, hang bundles upside down in a warm, airy location away from direct sunlight for 1-2 weeks until completely crisp. Store dried flowers in an airtight container away from light and heat.
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