Celosia argentea var. plumosa Forest Fire | Feather Celosia | Tall

Celosia argentea var. plumosa ‘Forest Fire’ | Feather Celosia | Tall

Celosia ‘Forest Fire’ is a tall, dramatic annual prized for its fiery, plume-like flower spikes in shades of glowing scarlet-red. Standing up to 90 cm tall, these upright, feathery blooms add striking vertical texture and color to garden beds, borders, and cut flower arrangements.

Fast-growing and long-flowering, ‘Forest Fire’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, producing vivid plumes that last beautifully both fresh and dried. Its strong stems and vigorous habit make it a reliable performer in the garden and a favorite for florists looking for unique texture in bouquets.

Plant Details

• Botanical name: Celosia argentea var. plumosa
• Common name: Feather Celosia, Prince of Wales’ Feathers, Pampas Plume Celosia, Cockscomb
  
• Type: Annual, half-hardy
• Height: 75–90 cm
• Spacing: 15–30 cm
• Blooming period: July–September
• Days to maturity: 90–100 days
• Vase life: 7–14 days (fresh or dried)
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained

Sowing & Growing Instructions

• Sow indoors: 6–8 weeks before last frost, surface sow lightly, keep at 20–25 °C. Germination in 8–14 days.
• Transplanting: Pot on seedlings and plant outdoors after frost risk has passed.
• Direct sowing: Possible only in long-season climates.
• Pinching: Recommended at 15–20 cm tall to encourage branching.
• Care: Provide consistent moisture and fortnightly feeding for best blooms.

Uses

✔ Excellent for cut flowers and drying
✔ Stunning in borders, beds, and containers
✔ Adds lightness and texture to mixed bouquets
✔ Pollinator-friendly and long-flowering

Why Grow Celosia ‘Forest Fire’?
✔ Striking scarlet-red, plume-like blooms
✔ Adds bold vertical texture to gardens and arrangements
✔ Excellent for fresh and dried cut flowers
✔ Vigorous, long-flowering annual