The AAS winners have been grown and evaluated in trial gardens throughout the United States and Canada and have been found to possess unique or improved qualities and exhibit superior performance. Three flower and three vegetable varieties have been selected as AAS winners for 1997. Celosia cristata 'Prestige Scarlet' was selected as a 1997 AAS winner because of its unique, multi-branched growth habit. Plants grow approximately 15 to 20 inches tall and have a similar spread. Celosia performs best in full sun and well-drained soils.
Cockscomb tolerates heat and drought conditions.
The flowers can be used for fresh cut flowers or dried everlastings. Sow Celosia seed indoors 6 weeks before the last frost date. Barely cover the seed with the germination medium. Soak the medium with lukewarm water and allow it to drain. Keep the medium uniformly moist.