Celosia Red Chief
Celosia argentea var. cristata 'Red Chief'
A stunning cockscomb variety with velvety, flame-red flower heads that resemble exotic coral formations. This heat-loving annual produces dramatic, ruffled plumes that hold their vibrant color all season and dry beautifully for arrangements. The deep burgundy foliage provides striking contrast, making this a showstopper in borders and containers.
Sun
Full sun
Zones
10–11
USDA hardiness
Height
9-18 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Celosia Red Chief in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 flower →Zone Map
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Celosia Red Chief · Zones 10–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – July | June – August | — |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – June | June – July | — |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – April | March – May | — |
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – March | February – April | — |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry. Height: 0 ft. 9 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 9 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Smooth, glossy, shiny capsule contain many seeds
Color: Black. Type: Capsule.
Bloom time: Fall, Summer
Edibility: The leaves and young shoots are cooked and used in soups and stews. The seeds yield edible oil.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh-cut Celosia Red Chief stems last 7-10 days when properly stored. Immediately place cut stems in lukewarm water, then transfer to a clean vase with fresh, cool water. Trim stems under running water every 3-4 days and change the water completely to prevent bacterial growth that shortens vase life.
For dried preservation, Celosia Red Chief excels as an everlasting flower. Bundle 5-7 stems together and hang upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Complete drying takes 2-3 weeks, after which flowers maintain their color and form for years. Alternatively, place individual stems upright in empty vases in a dry room—the flowers will naturally air-dry while maintaining better shape.
Glycerin preservation is another excellent method: mix one part glycerin with two parts hot water, place stems in solution for 3-5 days until petals feel supple. This method maintains more natural flexibility in the dried flowers.
History & Origin
Origin: Tropical Africa
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: #purple#full sun tolerant#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#pink flowers#frost tender#flower arrangements#summer flowers#deer browsing plant#annual flowers#border planting#self-seeding#cutting garden#flower arrangement#pollinator plant#fantz#dried arrangements#border front#humidity tolerant#dry soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical#tropical annual#annual#butterfly garden#pollinator garden#weedy#poor soil tolerant#HS303
- +Attracts: Attractive Flowers, Attracts Pollinators, Colorful, Easy to Grow
- +Wildlife value: Attracts butterflies, bees and other pollinators.
- +Edible: The leaves and young shoots are cooked and used in soups and stews. The seeds yield edible oil.
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Marigolds
Repel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
Zinnias
Attract pollinators and beneficial predatory insects, similar growing conditions
Basil
Repels aphids, spider mites, and thrips that commonly affect celosia
Nasturtiums
Act as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, attract beneficial insects
Salvia
Similar heat tolerance, attracts pollinators, helps deter pest insects
Cosmos
Attract beneficial insects and provide complementary flower colors
Catnip
Repels ants, aphids, and flea beetles through natural compounds
Sunflowers
Provide beneficial shade and windbreak, attract pollinators
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth of most flowering plants
Eucalyptus
Releases allelopathic compounds that suppress nearby plant growth
Fennel
Inhibits growth of most garden plants through allelopathic root secretions
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to most diseases
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites, thrips
Diseases
Root rot in wet conditions, leaf spot