Red Raven Cockscomb is an extremely rare heirloom celosia prized for its exotic deep red foliage and striking blood-red velvety flower heads. Both the leaves and dramatic blooms are edible, with blossoms traditionally brewed into a vibrant tea. This compact variety thrives in warm conditions (zones 10-11), preferring moderate moisture and neutral soil, and rewards gardeners with easy growth and glowing color from summer through fall.
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Moderate
10-11
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Low
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The combination of crimson leaves and large, intensely colored flower heads makes this heirloom stand out in any garden. Its dual edibility, where both foliage and blooms contribute to kitchen and cup, extends its value beyond pure ornament. Compact growth habit means it fills containers and garden beds without sprawling, while the ease of cultivation and rarity in modern seed catalogs make it a genuine treasure for collectors and adventurous growers.
Red Raven Cockscomb serves as both an ornamental focal point and edible plant. The leaves can be harvested and eaten fresh or cooked, while the distinctive flower heads are traditionally dried and steeped into a naturally vibrant tea. The intense visual presence also makes it exceptional as a cut flower or dried arrangement.
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Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost, maintaining soil temperature between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Sow seeds on the soil surface or just barely press them in, as they need light to germinate. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and expect germination within 7-14 days.
Harden off seedlings over 7-10 days before transplanting outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Space plants 12 inches apart in full sun. Soil temperature should be consistently warm, ideally above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, before transplanting.
For leaf harvest, begin picking outer leaves once plants are established, leaving the growing tip intact to encourage continued production. Flower heads are ready for tea when fully formed and deep crimson in color; cut them with sharp scissors just below the bloom base. Harvests can begin approximately 60-70 days after transplanting and continue until frost.
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