Quail Grass
Celosia argentea
Also listed as Celosia margaritacea, Amaranthus huttonii
Also known as Cockscomb, Silver Cockscomb, Feather Cockscomb
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Celosia argentea, commonly called Quail Grass, is a tender annual with velvety, feathery flower plumes in shades of red, pink, purple, yellow, or white. It thrives in warm weather and provides excellent cut flowers and garden color throughout summer.
Why grow it
Celosia argentea produces distinctive velvety flower plumes that persist longer than many other tender annuals, making it useful for continuous summer color in warm climates. Unlike some ornamental grasses, it flowers reliably in a range of warm-season conditions and performs well in both garden beds and as a cut flower. It offers greater color variety than many competing annuals in its season, particularly in deep reds and purples.
Watch out for
Seedlings are slow to establish and benefit from starting indoors in cooler climates rather than direct sowing. The plants prefer consistent moisture but are prone to root rot in poorly drained soil, so site preparation matters more than with some other annuals. Deadheading extends flowering but is not essential if continuous bloom is less important than garden structure.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
Native Range
Tropical Africa and Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Celosia argentea, commonly called Quail Grass, is a tender annual with velvety, feathery flower plumes in shades of red, pink, purple, yellow, or white. It thrives in warm weather and provides excellent cut flowers and garden color throughout summer.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Quail Grass grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Celosia argentea produces distinctive velvety flower plumes that persist longer than many other tender annuals, making it useful for continuous summer color in warm climates. Unlike some ornamental grasses, it flowers reliably in a range of warm-season conditions and performs well in both garden beds and as a cut flower. It offers greater color variety than many competing annuals in its season, particularly in deep reds and purples.
Watch out for
Seedlings are slow to establish and benefit from starting indoors in cooler climates rather than direct sowing. The plants prefer consistent moisture but are prone to root rot in poorly drained soil, so site preparation matters more than with some other annuals. Deadheading extends flowering but is not essential if continuous bloom is less important than garden structure.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
Native Range
Tropical Africa and Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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