When Does the Cockscomb Bloom? The Latest Answer on Its Flowering Period
Cockscomb, also known as jijihua, laolaihong, luhua jiguan, bi jiguan and so on, originated in Africa, tropical America and India, and is widely cultivated around the world. Cockscomb flowers generally come in three colors: red, white and yellow. It blooms in summer and autumn, and the flowers are mostly red, shaped like a rooster's comb, hence the name cockscomb. So when does the cockscomb bloom? Let's take a look below.
When Does the Cockscomb Bloom
The flowering period of the cockscomb is generally from July to October, and the fruiting period is from September to November. The inflorescences vary in form. By form, cockscomb can be divided into broom cockscomb, face cockscomb, mandarin duck cockscomb, yingluo cockscomb and so on. By shape, it can be divided into spherical flower type, plume-shaped flower type and spear-shaped flower type. Each flower type has its own unique advantages and character.
The Origin and Distribution of the Cockscomb
The cockscomb originated in Africa, tropical America and India, and is widely cultivated around the world. It is an annual herbaceous plant. In China it is mainly distributed in Anhui, Beijing, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Henan, Hong Kong, China, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, Sichuan, Taiwan, China, Xinjiang, Tibet, Yunnan and Zhejiang.
The Variety Classification of the Cockscomb
1. Phoenix-tail cockscomb: The phoenix-tail cockscomb is an annual herbaceous plant. The plant height is 80-120 cm, and the spike-shaped inflorescences gather to form a triangular terminal cluster, in colors such as red, yellow and purplish red. Its natural flowering period is from July until frost. The flower spikes are full and resemble torches, making them a seasonal flower material for summer and autumn. They can withstand relatively long dry storage, but after opening the box they must be put into water as soon as possible. A commercially available preservative solution can also be used to extend vase life.
2. Multi-head cockscomb: The multi-head cockscomb is a plant of the genus Celosia in the Amaranthaceae family. Its inflorescences are twisted and folded, closely resembling a rooster's comb, commonly known as head-shaped cockscomb. The slender spikes of the spike-shaped inflorescence are reed-flower-like and resemble torches, and are called plume-shaped cockscomb. Because of its long flowering period, rich and vivid flower colors and ease of cultivation, the cockscomb is the most common potted flower in gardens.
3. Yingluo cockscomb: The yingluo cockscomb is five or six chi tall. Its leaves are narrow and long with pointed tips, alternate, and have small stipules. In autumn a flower crown emerges at the end of the stem, with spikes all drooping, just like a yingluo necklace, in colors such as red, yellow and white. The stems are long, strip-shaped and soft, and wither as soon as cold arrives. Its flower spikes differ from those of ordinary cockscomb: the terminal inflorescence has one larger, crown-shaped piece, while the rest are similar to small cone-shaped cockscombs. It was once propagated by sowing. After the main piece of the terminal inflorescence grows large, it is very prone to lodging. The flower type is smaller than that of ordinary head-shaped cockscomb, and the cone-shaped inflorescences grow laterally on the sides.