Cockscomb the Beautification of the Garden



Posted: Wednesday, August 06, 2008

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It belongs to the family Amaranthaceae and its scientific name is Celosia argentea. It is mainly a decorative plant. It can servibe many days even in dry stage also.The cockscomb produces long silky feathery flower-spikes in various colour like red, orange, yellow, golden yellow etc.

The plant height is 35 cm to 90 cm according to the varieties. The varieties are Cristata, Flaming Fire, Golden Fleece, Pampas, Forest Fire, Castle Gould, Fiery Feather, and Orange Feather Lilliput etc. The cockscomb is propagated through seed. The seeds are sown in May- June and trans plants when 4-5 leafs have been developed. Seeds may be sown in January also to get early flowers. It requires well-drained soil and response well in bright sunshine. The flowers started to bloom after 2-3 months. Normally no fertilizer is required but to get better flower use of liquid manure is recommended. This flower is suitable for growing along the garden path, borders or in beds. It is used as excellent cut flower and the longevity of this flower is more even in drying stage.

The demand is more in foreign countries. Damping off- Necrotic spots are developed from radical to plumule and cause pre-emergence death. Root systems of the seedlings are damaged in post-emergence infestation. Proper drainage and drenching of soil with Dithan M-45 helps in controlling the disease. Flower rot : This is another disease, serious under humid climate. The infection appears on young unopened buds as dark brown spots, the buds do not open properly. Dithane M-45 (@ 0.2%) can control the disease effectively. Viral disease produces mottling symptoms on leaves and leaves become smaller and distorted. Infected plants are stunted, produce a few low quality flowers. The disease is transmitted by aphids hence suitable insecticides like Malathion or Rogor may be sprayed on the plant to control the insect. Leaf hoppers : They damage the leaves by feeding and rolling.

Spraying of Endosulfan @ 2 ml/lit of water can control these. It is a low cost crop. The cost of cultivation is Rs. 1500/- per hac and profit comes to Rs. 3000/- - Rs. 3500/- per hac.

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