Woolflowers, Cockscombs, Plume Plant. Celosia name is derived from the Ancient Greek word κήλεος (kḗleos), meaning "burning", and refers to the flame-like flower heads.

Celosia seeds do not need light to germinate and should be placed under a good quarter-inch of soil. The soil should be consistently moist but never saturated. Once seedlings are mature, transplant them in the pot or outdoor. Celosia thrives in warm, regularly watered, well-drained soil. An inch of rain/watering a week is ideal for woolflowers to prosper, but they can get away with less for a few weeks at a time. Woolflowers will grow in partial sun, but they’re at their best in sunny and dry conditions.

Celosia will not tolerate wet feet. That is, these plants do not want to be watered too much, and require soil with excellent drainage. When the plants become limp and languid looking, they practically melt from too much stored up moisture.