2002 ASCFG Dried Cut Flower of the Year
The ASCFG Dried Cut Flower of the Year for 2002 is Celosia argentea var. cristata. Chief Series from Sakata Seed. This heat-loving plant is well known for it's unusual convoluted brightly colored flower heads which can be used fresh or dried. The 'Chief' series is available in a broad range of colors including red, orange, yellow, and bicolors and is known for its uniformity, reliability, and vigor. While 'Chief' celosia can be grown in the greenhouse, it is most commonly field grown. 'Chief' can be direct sown in the beds or grown using transplants. Plants can be spaced as tightly as 3 x 4 inches for one cut harvest or up to 18 inches apart if multiple harvests are expected. Excessive nitrogen will result in too much foliage and very thick stems. While plants are quite insect resistant, seedlings are susceptible to damping off.
Harvest stems when the crests have reached full size and fully mature. Harvesting too soon will results in poor fresh postharvest; typical fresh vase life is 7 to 10 days. When dried, flowers hold their color well.
Contact ASCFG at 440-774-2887 or www.ascfg.org for more information.