How to Grow Blazeaway
Wikimedia Commons
Blazeaway
Celosia argentea var. cristata 'Blazeaway'
flowerBlazeaway is a vibrant celosia cultivar known for its brilliant red, velvety crested flower heads that resemble flames or rooster combs. This tender annual produces dense, velvety blooms on compact plants and flowers prolifically throughout the summer and fall. It's an excellent choice for borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements.
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Example Blazeaway timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Blazeaway
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Blazeaway blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Blazeaway dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11 as an annual; grown as a tender annual in cooler zones
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Get my Blazeaway timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
7-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons and first true leaves appearing
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light and warmth (70-75°F). Thin seedlings to prevent damping off.
Seedling & Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlants develop multiple true leaves and establish a bushy form with gradually increasing height
Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Transplant to larger containers when 2-3 true leaves appear. Keep soil evenly moist. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksDense, compact flower buds begin forming at stem tips, showing characteristic crested, velvety texture
Maintain consistent watering and full sun exposure. Increase phosphorus and potassium in fertilizer to promote flowering. Pinch back if wanting bushier plants.
Flowering
8-12 weeks or until frostBrilliant red, flame-like crested flowers bloom profusely and continuously throughout summer into fall
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering. Keep watering consistent. Provide stakes if plants become top-heavy. Apply low-nitrogen fertilizer to maintain blooms.
Decline
2-3 weeks to frostFlowering slows as temperatures drop in fall or if plants experience stress or neglect
Plants are frost-tender and will die at first hard freeze. Save seeds if desired by allowing a few flowers to dry on the plant. Remove plants after frost.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase humidity; remove heavily infested leaves
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Isolate affected plants; spray with neem oil or horticultural oil; prune heavily infested stems
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil; increase air circulation
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Improve drainage; avoid overwatering; remove affected plants; use well-draining soil
Uses
Edible Flower Garnish
CulinaryBlazeaway flowers are technically edible and can be used as a striking garnish for salads, desserts, and cocktails. They add visual drama and a mild, slightly sweet flavor to dishes. [source]
Cut & Dried Floral Arrangements
HouseholdThe velvety red crested flowers retain their vibrant color and texture when dried, making them ideal for dried bouquets, wreaths, and long-lasting decorative arrangements. They last for months indoors without water. [source]
Floral Design & Wedding Flowers
CraftFlorists value Blazeaway for its unique crested texture, long vase life, and striking red color. It adds dimensional interest and drama to bridal bouquets, centerpieces, and event arrangements. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeWhile the dense flower structure limits insect access compared to open flowers, bees and butterflies are still attracted to the blooms for nectar and pollen, supporting pollinator populations. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalCelosia has a long history in traditional Asian and African medicine, used in teas and tonics for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant purposes. Modern research supports some of these traditional applications. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning when petals are fully hydrated for longest vase life. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle with sharp, clean shears. Blazeaway makes excellent dried flowers—hang bundles upside down in a warm, dark, well-ventilated location for 2-3 weeks. Remove lower leaves before drying to prevent mold.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'celosia' comes from the Greek word 'kelos' meaning 'burned' or 'flame,' perfectly describing the dramatic, fire-like appearance of the crested flowers.
- 🌱 Blazeaway is prized by florists because its dried flowers retain their brilliant red color for up to a year, making it one of the longest-lasting dried flowers available.
- 🌱 The distinctive crested or cockscomb-like flower form is caused by a naturally occurring fasciation—a flattening and widening of the stem that creates the dense, velvety cluster rather than typical flower spikes.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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