Celosia cristata, also known as cockscomb or “brain flower”, is a annual that makes for an interesting piece in the garden. Here are some interesting facts about this annual:

• The crested blooms of the cockscomb give this plant its nickname of the brain flower due to its resemblance to a brain, and it comes in a variety of colors, including red, orange, and yellow.
• Cockscomb makes for a great cut flower due to its strong, stiff stems and will last 5-14 days in a vase.
• While its origins aren’t completely known, celosia is common in the wild in China.
• Flowers bloom in the summer and well into the fall to the first frost.
• Pinching back the first bloom will encourage the plant to produce more blooms and branch out.