How to prune celosia argentea var. cristata 'chief mix'

As flower heads fade or discolor, throughout summer into fall. Cut spent or browning cockscomb heads back to the nearest lateral shoot or leaf axil with clean scissors. Avoid cutting into the main stem. Remove any yellowing basal leaves to improve air circulation.

As needed when individual heads decline. Celosia 'Chief Mix' (cockscomb) is grown mainly for its dramatic crested flower heads. Deadheading prolongs the display slightly, but the blooms are so long-lasting that pruning is minimal. Removing spent or damaged heads keeps the planting tidy. No hard cutback is needed — these are annuals grown for their bold display until frost.

Cut spent or browning cockscomb heads back to the nearest lateral shoot or leaf axil with clean scissors. Avoid cutting into the main stem. Remove any yellowing basal leaves to improve air circulation.