About Cockscomb
Named for its resemblance to the comb of a rooster, the unusual plumed or crested blossoms of the cockscomb can be a focal point of the annual garden. A native of Africa, this easy to grow flower will add interest to any flowerbed. Use it to highlight plain flowers, such as daisies, or alone as a specimen plant.
Description
Varying in height from 10 inches to 3 feet, cockscomb has more than 60 varieties with color ranges, including pink, red, yellow, gold and orange. A member of the amaranth family and also known as celosia, some varieties have a wormy-looking flower that resembles a brain while others have a plume resembling an ostrich feather. Cockscomb is cultivated as a food in many parts of the world.
Geography
A native to Africa and South America, cockscomb was introduced to Europe about 1590. It is a highly prized plant throughout the world, especially in China and India. In the past century has gained in popularity as a garden flower in the United States, where it is grown in all climate zones.
Cultivation
Cockscomb is grown throughout the United States, although it is sensitive to frost and grown as an annual in colder climates. It can be directly planted by seed after the last frost date or started in doors six weeks before and transplanted into the garden. A spring staple in most garden centers, cockscomb thrives in poor soil, but needs to be kept moist and prefers full sun.
Decorative Uses
Lasting for five to 14 days as a cut flower, cockscomb also dries well if cut in full bloom. The vibrant colors and flashy bloom add appeal to flower arrangements, and the taller varieties make an excellent backdrop for shorter stemmed flowers. If blossoms are left to dry in the garden they will reseed for the following year.
Dietary Uses
Cultivated throughout China as a dietary mainstay, cockscomb is grown in Africa and Asia as both a vegetable and a cereal and is one of the main leafy vegetables of Nigeria, where its name "soko yokoto" translates as "make husband fat and happy." In the United States it is grown as a gourmet salad leaf.
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