How to Grow Chief Carmine
Celosia argentea cristata
Your complete guide to growing Chief Carmine.
📷 Wikipedia: FlowerWhen to Plant Chief Carmine
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May – June | July – September | — |
| Zone 2 | April – May | June – August | — |
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – August | — |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – July | — |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – July | — |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – July | — |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – June | — |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – June | — |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – May | — |
| Zone 10 | January | February – April | — |
| Zone 11 | January | January – March | — |
| Zone 12 | January | January – March | — |
| Zone 13 | January | January – March | — |
Companion Plants for Chief Carmine
✓ Good companions
Attracts beneficial predatory insects like lacewings and hoverflies
Repels mosquitoes, ants, and aphids more effectively than many chemical repellents
Attract beneficial pollinators and predatory insects while providing complementary height
Repels moths, fleas, and mosquitoes while attracting beneficial pollinators
Repel aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects
Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles, drawing pests away
Repel aphids, tomato hornworms, and squash bugs naturally
Attract butterflies and beneficial insects, bloom simultaneously for extended color
✗ Keep away from
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth and can kill sensitive flowering plants
Releases allelopathic compounds that suppress growth of nearby plants
Release allelopathic chemicals and compete aggressively for nutrients and water
