Kimono Mix Celosia varieties are annuals offering spring through fall interest, blooming until first frost. Tiny, densely packed flowers grow in feathery, 2- to 3-inch, pyramidal plumes in warm shades of yellow, orange, and red. Borne on erect stems, the long-lasting flowers are excellent for display, fresh cut or dried. Harvest mature blooms in the morning after the dew has dried. Kimono Mix contains Celosia plumosa varieties, also known as feather celosia and plumed cockscomb. These dwarf varieties have a compact habit of spear-shaped leaves and fit almost anywhere. Shown to best effect massed or grouped, feather celosias offer sweeps of color, great for edging in bed and borders, but they are also suitable for containers and window boxes. Easy to grow, celosias prefer humusy, nutrient rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil. The plants are heat and drought tolerant and deer and rabbit resistant. In fact, few pests or diseases bother celosias. Although celosias are low maintenance plants, deadheading regularly encourages and prolongs flowering. Direct sow celosia seed after the last frost as soon as the soil is warm in spring, or start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, and transplant after all threat of frost has passed. Celosias have delicate root systems that must be handled with care. Transplanting should not be delayed. Holding plugs in trays too long stunts future development and may cause premature budding.