Heirloom

Cramer's Lemon Lime

Celosia argentea cristata

Photo: Mokkie · Wikimedia Commons · (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Cramer's Lemon Lime is a decorative heirloom flower variety that reaches maturity in 90-120 days under full sun conditions. This ornamental cultivar is prized for its distinctive bicolor blooms featuring vibrant yellow and green tones that evoke its namesake citrus fruits. The variety thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and is notably easy to grow, making it accessible for gardeners of all skill levels. Its unique color combination and long bloom season make it a striking addition to flower gardens and landscape arrangements.

Harvest

90-120d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

10–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

9-18 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Showing dates for Cramer's Lemon Lime in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Cramer's Lemon Lime · Zones 10–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing12-18 inches

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil; tolerates a range of soil types

WaterRegular, consistent moisture during growing season; moderately drought-tolerant once established

SeasonWarm season annual

ColorLemon yellow and lime green

Size2-6"

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 1	May – June	July – August	July – September	—
Zone 2	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 11	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 12	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 13	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
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

Crested-type flowers bloom prolifically on well-branched plants. Bloom size is approximately 2-6" across. With approximately 15-20 stems per plant, Cramer's varieties prove to be workhorses in the garden. Selected by the late, and well-known, commercial flower farmer, Ralph Cramer. Also known as cockscomb and crested cock's comb. According to Johnny's Selected Seeds, Cramer's Lemon Lime is 90 - 120 days to maturity, annual, open pollinated. Notable features: Use for Cut Flowers and Bouquets, Ideal for Drying and Crafts.

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

Cramer's Lemon Lime reaches harvest at 90 - 120 days from sowing per Johnny's Selected Seeds. Expect 2-6" at peak. As an annual, harvest continues until frost ends the season.

Smooth, glossy, shiny capsule contain many seeds

Color: Black. Type: Capsule.

Edibility: The leaves and young shoots are cooked and used in soups and stews. The seeds yield edible oil.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh celosia blooms can be stored upright in a vase with cool water at room temperature (65-72°F) away from direct sunlight and ripening fruit. For extended freshness, refrigerate at 35-40°F in high humidity conditions; blooms typically last 7-14 days. For preservation, air-dry by hanging stems upside-down in a warm, dark, well-ventilated space for 1-2 weeks, creating long-lasting dried arrangements. Alternatively, press blooms between paper in a heavy book for 2-3 weeks for flat, decorative use. Silica gel drying provides the quickest method, preserving vibrant color in 3-5 days.

History & Origin

Cramer's Lemon Lime is open-pollinated, meaning seed saved from healthy plants will produce true-to-type offspring. Listed in the Johnny's Selected Seeds catalog.

Origin: Tropical Africa

Advantages

+Prolific blooming with 15-20 stems per plant maximizes garden impact
+Vibrant lemon lime color adds unique cheerful brightness to arrangements
+Crested flowers reach 2-6 inches, providing substantial visual presence
+Easy growing difficulty makes this variety suitable for novice gardeners
+Well-branched plants require minimal pruning for full, workhouse performance

Considerations

-90-120 day maturity requires long growing season in cooler climates
-Crested blooms attract spider mites in hot, dry conditions
-Heavy water needs combined with poor drainage causes root rot

Companion Plants

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) and Nasturtiums are the companions worth actually planting near Cramer's Lemon Lime — marigolds deter whiteflies and aphids through root secretions and scent, while nasturtiums act as a trap crop that pulls aphids off the celosia onto themselves. Sweet Alyssum and Catmint draw in predatory wasps and hoverflies that clean up whatever pest pressure remains. Skip Sunflowers: in our zone 7 Georgia gardens they compete hard for the same mid-summer water, and their decomposing root material releases allelopathic compounds that can suppress nearby annuals. Black Walnut is a harder no — juglone moves through the soil far enough to reach anything planted within a typical residential garden bed, and celosia roots don't handle it.

Plant Together

Marigolds

Repel aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects

Nasturtiums

Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles, attract pollinators

Sweet Alyssum

Attracts beneficial insects like lacewings and provides ground cover to retain moisture

Lavender

Repels moths, fleas, and mosquitoes while attracting pollinators and beneficial insects

Zinnia

Attracts butterflies, bees, and beneficial predatory insects for natural pest control

Cosmos

Attracts beneficial insects and provides complementary height and texture

Catmint

Repels ants, aphids, and rodents while attracting pollinators

Petunia

Repels aphids, tomato hornworms, and other garden pests

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone which is toxic to many flowering plants and inhibits growth

Eucalyptus

Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of nearby plants

Sunflowers

Can release allelopathic chemicals and compete aggressively for nutrients and water

Pests & Disease Resistance

Common Pests

Aphids, spider mites, whiteflies

Diseases

Powdery mildew, root rot in overly wet conditions

Troubleshooting Cramer's Lemon Lime

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

Distorted new growth, sticky residue on leaves, tiny clusters of soft-bodied insects on stems and undersides of leaves

Likely Causes

Aphid infestation — common on soft celosia tissue, especially during spring flush
Nearby ant colonies farming the aphids and protecting them from predators

What to Do

1.Knock aphids off with a firm spray of water from a hose — do this in the morning so foliage dries by evening
2.Apply insecticidal soap directly to colonies; repeat every 5-7 days until populations collapse
3.Check for ant trails leading up the stems and use a sticky barrier (Tanglefoot) around the base if ants are actively tending the colony

White powdery coating on upper leaf surfaces, usually appearing mid-summer when nights cool slightly

Likely Causes

Powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum or related species) — thrives in high humidity with poor airflow
Plants crowded closer than the 12-18 inch recommended spacing

What to Do

1.Remove and trash (don't compost) any heavily affected leaves immediately
2.Spray remaining foliage with a diluted potassium bicarbonate solution or a neem oil mix; coat both leaf surfaces
3.Open up spacing between plants — better airflow does more long-term work than repeated spraying if crowding is the underlying problem

Wilting that doesn't recover after watering, dark water-soaked tissue at the base of the stem, roots turning brown and mushy

Likely Causes

Root rot caused by Pythium or Phytophthora spp. — almost always triggered by waterlogged soil or poor drainage
Overwatering in containers without drainage holes

What to Do

1.Pull the plant — there's no saving a celosia once root rot is advanced; bag it and discard
2.Amend the bed with coarse perlite or fine pine bark before replanting, or raise the bed 4-6 inches to improve drainage
3.Water only when the top inch of soil is dry; Cramer's Lemon Lime tolerates moderate drought once established, so err on the dry side

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Cramer's Lemon Lime celosia flowers last in a vase?▼

Cramer's Lemon Lime blooms typically last 7-14 days in fresh water when kept cool and away from direct sunlight. Change water every 2-3 days and trim stems at an angle to extend vase life. Keep them away from ethylene-producing fruits and ripening produce to prevent premature wilting.

Is celosia a good flower for beginner gardeners?▼

Yes, Cramer's Lemon Lime celosia is excellent for beginners. It's rated as Easy to grow, thrives in full sun with minimal fussing, blooms prolifically, and has a long flowering season from summer through frost. These low-maintenance plants require only basic watering and deadheading.

Can you grow Cramer's Lemon Lime celosia in containers?▼

Absolutely. Cramer's Lemon Lime performs well in containers with well-draining potting soil. Choose a pot at least 6-8 inches deep, place it in full sun, and water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Container growing allows for flexibility in placement and easier deadheading.

When should I plant Cramer's Lemon Lime celosia?▼

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost, or direct sow after all danger of frost has passed when soil has warmed to 70°F or higher. With 90-120 days to harvest, early planting ensures continuous blooms throughout the growing season until first fall frost.

What makes Cramer's Lemon Lime different from other celosia varieties?▼

Cramer's Lemon Lime is a crested-type celosia with distinctively wrinkled, brain-like flower heads in soft yellow-green tones. It produces 15-20 stems per plant, making it an exceptional cut flower and garden specimen. These vigorous, well-branched plants were selected by renowned commercial flower farmer Ralph Cramer.

How often should I water celosia plants?▼

Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist during establishment and the growing season, especially during hot weather. Once established, celosia is moderately drought-tolerant but performs best with consistent moisture. Reduce watering in cooler months. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.