How to Grow Alata Mixed Colors Bombay Red

Wikimedia Commons

Alata Mixed Colors Bombay Red

Celosia cristata var. plumosa

flower

Celosia, commonly known as cockscomb, is a vibrant ornamental flowering plant prized for its distinctive feathery or crested flower heads that resemble plumes or rooster combs. The Alata Mixed Colors Bombay Red variety features striking red and mixed-tone plumes on sturdy stems, making it an excellent choice for borders, cutting gardens, and container arrangements. These heat-loving annuals bloom prolifically throughout the growing season with minimal care.

Looking for a specific variety?

Chief Red Bombay Red Century Pink Flamingo Feather Supercrest Mixed

When should you plant Alata Mixed Colors Bombay Red in your zone?

Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.

Get my Alata Mixed Colors Bombay Red timeline →

Example Alata Mixed Colors Bombay Red timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Alata Mixed Colors Bombay Red
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Alata Mixed Colors Bombay Red blooms
Around Jun 16

≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Alata Mixed Colors Bombay Red dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but flowers less prolifically

💧

Water: Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged; water at soil level to prevent fungal issues. Drought-tolerant once established but performs best with regular watering during growing season. Reduce watering in cooler months.

📏

Spacing: 8-12 inches

📅

Days to maturity: 60-90

🌱

Planting depth: Surface sow or press seeds lightly into soil; do not cover as seeds need light to germinate. Transplants should be planted at same depth as container.

Soil

Type: Well-draining, moderately fertile loamy soil

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss or coconut coir Perlite or sand for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-11; grows as annual in cooler zones, perennial in zones 9-11

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Get my Alata Mixed Colors Bombay Red timeline →

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings with 2-4 true leaves, very delicate appearance

Maintain warm temperatures (70-75°F), high humidity, and consistent moisture. Provide bright light; avoid oversaturation which causes damping-off. Thin crowded seedlings.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Compact bushy plants with lance-shaped green foliage, no flowers yet

Pinch growing tips when 3-4 inches tall to encourage bushier growth and more flowering stems. Harden off transplants gradually before outdoor planting. Maintain consistent moisture and full sun exposure.

Early Flowering

2-3 weeks

First flower plumes beginning to emerge; plants reaching 12-18 inches tall

Continue pinching if desired for bushier form, but this reduces early blooms. Ensure steady water supply. Begin light fertilization with balanced or slightly higher phosphorus fertilizer.

Peak Flowering

6-8 weeks

Full plumes of vibrant red and mixed-color flowers on sturdy stems; 18-24 inches tall

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Water regularly but allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Feed every 2-3 weeks with balanced liquid fertilizer.

Late Season/Seed Set

2-4 weeks before frost

Flowers begin to fade; if not deadheaded, seed pods develop and mature

Allow some flowers to remain unharvested if collecting seeds. Stop fertilizing. Reduce watering slightly as plants decline naturally in fall.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Salvia Dusty Miller Marigold Zinnias Sweet Potato Vine Ornamental Grasses Begonias Impatiens

Avoid planting near:

Heavy shade-casting plants Highly invasive vines

Common Pests

Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; rinse leaves with water jet in early morning
Yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove heavily infested leaves
Remove by hand with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with neem oil; improve air circulation
Strong water spray to dislodge; neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs
Avoid overhead watering; improve air circulation; remove affected leaves; apply fungicide if severe

Uses

🍳

Edible Flowers for Garnish

Culinary

Celosia flowers are entirely edible and can be used as striking garnishes for salads, desserts, and plated dishes. They add visual interest and a mild, slightly sweet flavor to culinary presentations. [source]

🏠

Cut and Dried Arrangements

Household

The plumes are excellent for fresh bouquets and retain their color exceptionally well when dried, making them ideal for dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and floral crafts that last for months. [source]

🎨

Floral Arrangements and Crafts

Craft

The distinctive texture and bright colors make Celosia perfect for creating long-lasting floral designs, including wedding arrangements, corsages, and decorative home displays. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

Celosia flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators throughout the blooming season, making it valuable for pollinator gardens and ecological landscaping. [source]

💊

Traditional Herbal Uses

Medicinal

In traditional Chinese and African medicine, Celosia has been used in herbal remedies and teas, though scientific evidence is limited. Always consult healthcare providers before medicinal use. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

For cut flowers, harvest plumes in early morning when fully colored but still firm. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle and place immediately in water. Flowers can be used fresh or dried by hanging upside-down in a warm, dry location for 2-3 weeks. For seeds, allow flowers to dry completely on the plant, then collect seed heads and store in cool, dry place.

Fun Facts

🌱 The name 'cockscomb' comes from the flower's resemblance to a rooster's comb, and in some cultures, it symbolizes wealth and majesty.
🌱 Celosia comes from the Greek word 'kelos,' meaning 'burned,' referring to the flower's flame-like appearance, and some varieties look like plumes of smoke or fire.
🌱 These flowers were domesticated in Southeast Asia over 2,000 years ago and have been treasured in ornamental gardening ever since, particularly valued in Victorian and Victorian-inspired gardens.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Deadhead Full Sun Partial Shade pH Transplant True Leaves

Shop Alata Mixed Colors Bombay Red plants and related plants at Plant Addicts →

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Alata Mixed Colors Bombay Red planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Alata Mixed Colors Bombay Red seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.

Get my Alata Mixed Colors Bombay Red timeline →