Celosia cristata (plumed cockscomb, "Tosakakeito")

Japanese name: トサカケイトウ （鶏冠鶏頭）
Scientific name: Celosia cristata

[Overview]
An annual.
The stem is erect and thick.
The leaves are simple and alternate, ovate to ovate-lanceolate, 5–20 cm long, with a petiole.
Inflorescences are borne in the upper leaf axils and at the stem tip.
The inflorescence becomes flattened by fasciation into a shape like a rooster's comb.
Flower colors are abundant, including yellow, orange, red, pink and white.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed.
It has a taproot and dislikes transplanting, so sow directly where it is to grow, or if transplanting, take care not to break up the root ball.
The suitable germination temperature is 20°C or higher, so sow after the temperature has risen sufficiently.
The seeds germinate in darkness, so it is good to cover them with soil and shade them with newspaper or the like until germination.
If the site is sunny and well drained, it is not very particular about soil.
In fertile soil only the leaves grow lush, so poorer soil is better suited.
If the site is poorly lit, the flower color is poor.
In summer, letting it dry out weakens growth, so water thoroughly when the soil surface dries.
No fertilizing is particularly needed.
Pests and diseases include damping-off, gray mold, aphids, armyworms and spider mites.
Damping-off and gray mold occur more easily when the site is not sunny and well drained.
Spider mites appear when dry weather continues.
It suffers from continuous cropping problems, so it is better to change the planting site every few years.

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