Celosia Bombay
Tender annual cut flower
Sowing; January to May at 24°C, cover with a thin layer of vermiculite, compost, germination 1-2 weeks
Crop Time; 12-14 weeks
Growing On; Planting density 48-64 plants per usable m2. Use 12.5cm x 12.5cm netting with supports every two metres.
Temperature; Soil temperature should be 17°C at
planting. Air temperature should be 18-20°C for three weeks
after planting, then 16-18°C.
Temperature should be lowered to 15-16°C from visible buds to
flowering.
Watering; Ensure the soil is evenly moist. Water as necessary until bud formation, then keep as dry as possible. Use soil level irrigation and only water when the weather conditions will allow drying in the crop.
Fertilisation; Keep the fertiliser levels low throughout production.
Shading; Crop can be shaded during high light intensity in spring and summer. It is important to shade during harvest.
Harvest; When crown is completely formed.
Common diseases and pests; If the soil has not been sterilised beforehand, it is advisable to treat the plants with a fungicide against soil borne diseases immediately after planting. Aphids and Leaf Minor should be monitored and necessary action taken.
The Technical and cultural details are written for gardeners and growers, they are not cut and dried and are for information purposes only. It is not intended as a blue print for growing. A guide for you to use and adjust the data to suit your growing conditions. All information is based on UK conditions and should be used for guidance only. No guarantee is given for the resultant crop, or liability accepted for using the information used on this website in any article web page or cd rom.