Crested Celosia
Sunday Orange Celosia is a vibrant open-pollinated flower that produces stunning plumes in a rich orange hue, maturing in 85-95 days from sowing. This compact bush-form variety from Celosia argentea plumosa has earned its place in cutting gardens and dried arrangements alike, prized for its uniform, luminous blooms that hold their color beautifully whether displayed fresh in a vase or preserved for lasting appeal. Space plants just 6 inches apart for a lush display of color.
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Moderate
10-11
?in H x ?in W
Annual
Low
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The real magic of Sunday Orange lies in its dual purpose, you get a vibrant, long-lasting cut flower that transitions seamlessly from fresh arrangements to dried bouquets without losing its vivid orange intensity. The plumes are exceptionally uniform and tightly formed, creating the architectural drama that makes celosia so irresistible to flower arrangers. As an open-pollinated variety, you can save seed year after year, making this a plant that pays dividends to patient gardeners.
Sunday Orange shines as a premium cut flower, whether you're conditioning fresh stems for immediate arrangement or harvesting at peak bloom to dry for winter bouquets and wreaths. The compact bush habit makes it excellent for garden-to-vase work, you can snip stems throughout the season without sacrificing the overall plant shape. Beyond cutting, the intense orange plumes work beautifully in fresh floral designs where you need color that won't fade or compete.
Sow seeds into 72-cell flats or seedling containers 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Light is required for germination, so cover seeds very lightly with soil just to hold them in place—don't bury them. Maintain seedling temperatures between 63-68°F (17-20°C) for steady, compact growth.
Harden off seedlings over 7-10 days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions, then transplant after all danger of frost has passed. Space plants 6 inches apart in well-draining soil. Handle transplants gently, as they're delicate at this stage.
Direct seeding is only practical in locations with a long growing season. Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep after the last frost date has safely passed.
Harvest stems when the plumes are fully developed and the stems feel firm at the base of the bloom. For fresh arrangements, cut in early morning and immediately condition in cool water. For drying, harvest at the same full-bloom stage, remove all foliage from the stems, and hang in a dark, well-ventilated location until completely dry.
Pinch seedlings or young transplants to encourage branching and a bushier, more productive plant form. This simple step multiplies the number of flower stems you'll harvest throughout the season.
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