How to grow potted cockscomb? A detailed guide to the latest growing methods

Cockscomb is also known as jiji flower, laolaihong, bijiguan, etc. It is an annual herbaceous plant of the genus Celosia in the Amaranthaceae family. It is named for its red, flat inflorescence that resembles a rooster's comb, and enjoys the reputation of “the fowl among flowers”. Tall varieties are used in flower borders and flower beds, and are also excellent cut flower material. They can also be grown in pots for ornamental display. Now let us take a look at how to grow potted cockscomb!

How are cockscomb seeds sown?

1. Seed sowing: Cockscomb is commonly propagated by seed. Around Qingming, choose a good plot, apply sufficient base fertilizer, plow finely and harrow evenly, level and make beds, scatter the seeds evenly over the bed surface, cover the seeds well, firm the soil and water thoroughly. At a temperature of 15-20°C, seedlings can emerge in 10-15 days.

2. Seedling management: When cockscomb seedlings are 2 cun tall, thin them to a row spacing of 1 chi and a plant spacing of 8 cun. The thinned seedlings can be transplanted to other plots, and after transplanting they must be watered. During the seedling stage, be sure to weed and loosen the soil. When it is not too dry, water as little as possible. When the seedlings are about 1 chi tall, apply a topdressing once.

How is potted cockscomb grown?

1. Potting soil: Cockscomb is not strict about soil, but it is best to use fertile, well-drained sandy loam as the growing medium, or a mixed medium prepared from leaf mold, garden soil and sand at a ratio of 1:4:2.

2. Potting up: Cockscomb can be selected directly from field-grown cockscomb during the flowering period and potted up. When potting up, be careful not to let the root ball break apart, and plant it slightly deeper, with the leaves as close to the potting soil surface as possible.

3. Watering: Cockscomb prefers a slightly moist but rather dry soil environment and is somewhat drought tolerant. During the growing season it is best to provide sufficient water. After planting, water thoroughly, then water appropriately afterward, but when watering try not to let the lower leaves get stained with mud.

4. Fertilizing: When planting cockscomb in place, apply about 25 grams of chicken manure at the bottom of the flower pot as base fertilizer. During the growing period, apply a dilute liquid fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium once every half month. After the flower buds form, apply a dilute compound liquid fertilizer once every 10 days.

5. Temperature: Cockscomb likes warmth and dislikes cold. During the growing period it needs sufficient light, with at least 4 hours of light guaranteed every day. The most suitable growing temperature is 18-28°C. Excessively high air humidity is detrimental to plant growth.

6. Pests and diseases: Potted cockscomb is prone to anthracnose. If root rot occurs at the seedling stage, quicklime can be broadcast in the field. During the growing period, small bridle caterpillars may occur, and diluted detergent, dimethoate or pyrethroid pesticides can be sprayed on the leaves.

Precautions for cockscomb

1. Soil: Although cockscomb is not strict about soil and can generally be grown in ordinary soil, it is best to plant it in sandy loam with high, dry terrain, full sun, fertility and good drainage.

2. Light: Cockscomb needs sufficient light during the growing period, with at least 4 hours of sunlight guaranteed every day. If grown in a shaded place, the inflorescence will be small and its ornamental value will be greatly reduced.

3. Watering: Cockscomb likes dry air and is averse to waterlogging, but its stems are thick and its leaves are abundant, and it consumes a large amount of water during the growing period, so in hot summer it must be watered fully. During consecutive rainy days, it should be moved indoors.

4. Pruning: There are many cultivated varieties of cockscomb. For dwarf cockscomb varieties, after planting in place they should be pinched to promote branching. When used as cut flowers, they can be pinched when the plant height is 20-30 cm.