Celosia spicata 'Xantippe'

Introducing a new variety of Celosia, 'Xantippe' has spikes that start pale pink and gradually mature to silver. Gardeners and florists alike value Celosia spicata for its with slender, feathery flower spikes which persist through the summer and into early autumn. Its tall flowers make it a favourite for use in arrangements where its unusual structure adds both height and an airy, wispy aesthetic. They can also be dried easily, preserving their colour and form, making it a favourite for those who enjoy crafting or creating dried floral displays.
Named for the wife of the famously eccentric Socrates, 'Xanthippe' was known in history for her sharp wit and strong personality, which adds an intellectual flair to its character!

Celosia spicata is adaptable to a variety of growing conditions but thrives best in full sunlight. This annual variety is known for its resilience, handling heat and drought well once established, though it does appreciate regular watering to keep its blooms lush and vivid.
Growing up to 90cm (36in) in height, the 6 to 8cm (2½ to 3in) long and 2cm (¾in) wide spear-shaped flowers comprise of hundreds of composite florets and are held high above substantive, dark blue-green foliage. Celosia spicata can bloom from early summer through autumn, adding colour and texture to gardens over a prolonged season.

In the garden, one of the appealing traits of Celosia spicata is its ability to attract pollinators, including butterflies and bees, enhancing the biodiversity of any garden it inhabits. Whether placed in borders, containers, or as part of a pollinator-friendly garden, this variety of celosia provides both charm and longevity, its softly vibrant colours and feathery plumes adding an enchanting, subtle beauty to the garden.

• Awarded the Fleuroselect Industry Award
  Fleuroselect, the international organisation for the ornamental plants industry have awarded Celosia spicata 'Xantippe' the Fleuroselect Quality Mark.

Sowing: Sow March to May
Celosia is frost-sensitive, so start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. In warmer regions, you can sow directly outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.
It thrives in full sunlight, so choose a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sun daily. While it tolerates partial shade, full sun will ensure more robust blooms and healthier foliage.

Sowing Indoors:
Sow 6 to 8 weeks before planting out. Use small seed-starting trays or pots filled with a lightweight, well-draining potting mix.
Light is required for germination, sow on the surface of the soil and press very lightly to hold seeds in place without covering them. Bottom-water or mist lightly to avoid displacing seeds and soil.
Seeds germinate best in temperatures around 21°C (70°F) and take around 10 to 15 days at 21 to 27°C. Place the trays in a bright, warm location, or use a heat mat if needed. Grow on seedlings a little cooler at 17 to 20°C. Keep the soil evenly moist, but be careful not to overwater as seedlings are susceptible to damping-off disease.
About 1 to 2 weeks before transplanting, harden off the seedlings by gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for a few hours each day, increasing the time gradually. Transplant outdoors out after the last frosts. Space plants about 25 to 40cm (10 to 16in) apart to allow for air circulation.

Sowing Direct:
In warmer climates, Celosia seeds can be sown directly outdoors after the last frost.
Sow once temperatures are around 15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F). Surface sow to no more than 1mm (1/8in) deep. Sow thinly in on the surface of a well-cultivated soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Press lightly into the soil and water.
Water ground regularly, especially in dry periods. Germination will normally occur within 7 to 21 days at temperatures around 68 to 72°F (20 to 22°C). When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 20 to 30cm (8 to 12in) apart.

Cultivation:
The plants thrive in full sunlight, so choose a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sun daily. While they will tolerate partial shade, full sun will ensure more robust blooms and healthier foliage.
Plants need well-draining soil. Amend the soil with compost and grit where needed before planting to improve drainage and add nutrients. Avoid heavy, clayey soil, as it can retain too much water and lead to root rot.
Celosia is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Water at the base to keep foliage dry and avoid fungal issues. Once established, watering once a week is often sufficient.
Plants should not require fertilising, but a slow release fertiliser can be used if blooms slow down. Use once at planting and again mid-season. Too much nitrogen can lead to more foliage than flowers, so avoid over-fertilising.
Water regularly but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers throughout the season.
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Celosia doesn’t require much pruning; just remove any dead or damaged stems. Watch for aphids or fungal issues in humid conditions. Ensuring good air circulation and avoiding over-watering helps prevent common issues.

Cut flowers:
Cut Celosia stems at their peak bloom, ideally in the morning when the flowers are fresh and hydrated. Choose healthy, bright-colored blooms, as they’ll retain colour best.
Because of its long-lasting colour and texture, Celosia makes an excellent addition to dried floral designs. Strip the leaves from the stems to prevent them from rotting or molding during the drying process.
Bundle a few stems together and tie them with a rubber band or string. Hang them upside down in a warm, dry, dark area with good ventilation. Drying upside down helps the flowers maintain their shape, and a dark space prevents colour fading. Leave the Celosia to dry for about 2–3 weeks, or until the stems are brittle to the touch. Once dried, Celosia can last for years and is perfect for arrangements and wreaths.

Garden uses:
Beds and borders, Flower Arranging, Low Maintenance, Wildlife gardens

Origin:
Celosia are several species of both ornamental and edible plants in the amaranth plant family. Widely believed to be of African origin, they grow naturally in environments and climates very different to our own and it is mostly found in humid tropical regions. Many Celosia, however, are cultivated in other regions, including temperate climes, for their ornamental appeal and as a food source. more than just ornamental, it can be harvested as a leafy vegetable crop. The young shoots and leaves can be cooked and eaten and make a pleasant spinach-like vegetable that can be used in many recipes, such as soups and stews. An edible oil can also be obtained from the seed.
There are many different varieties of Celosia, generally grouped into two types – one of which produces a cock's comb like flower and the other a feathery plume.

Nomenclature:
The binomial name Celosia comes from the Greek word kelos, meaning 'burned' or 'burning.' This name likely refers to the species plant, which is known for its vivid, fiery colours, in deep red, orange, or gold.
The species name spicata is derived from the Latin word spica, meaning 'spike' which refers to the plant’s tall, spiked flower formations, which resemble a wheat-like plume. So, Celosia spicata essentially translates to 'fiery spike' a fitting description for this showy, flame-coloured plant with slender, upright flower clusters.
Both the sub-species name argentea from the Latin word for silver argentum and the common name of this variety 'Silver celosia' refer to the colour of the spikes of Xantippe that start pale pink and gradually mature to silver.
The full species name is argentea spicata group, but this is often abreviated to spicata.
It is commonly known as the Silver, Spike or Wheat Celosia or Silver Cockscomb.
Xanthippe was the wife of Socrates, known in history for her sharp wit and strong personality, Often remembered as a spirited, outspoken character, she was a fitting match for the famously eccentric Socrates.