This grows from seeds that were given to me. I was told it would grow 3 feet tall. I have one that is now 11 feet tall and still growing. I hope this upload works:) Thanks for your help. Dave ps. Sorry:) This is growing in Ontario.
Now I am wondering what distinguishes Celosia. It is in the Amaranthaceae. 11 feet tall seems big even for amaranth, although I remember growing the food-seed variety when I was young (long ago). It attained that height.
This pic shows it at the left with it's lower leaves and shoots removed for patio access. The deck supports are 12' tall. This specimen has a flower head of 14" tall and 20" tall. It also germinated in mid July. Now you see why I was thown off with it's ID. I will post a pic next year with a full seasons growth. Thank you all for your response and expertise:)) Dave
11 ft tall Amaranthus is not unusual in our climactic zone, I saw some growing 200k's south of Tropic of Capricorn that was easily 16ft. BigG scored a fine result for these probable reasons. 1. Early direct sowing/germination thus allowing the roots to grow without hinderance and as such, never having it's growth checked. 2. The aspect appears to be a marvellous wee micro climate. Concrete path in front, brick wall behind (lots of radiant warmth to both roots and shoots) and fertile well drained soil. Sadly BigG , I think it's an annual variety and will die in late autumn. Direct seed sowing of most annuals will provide the best oportunity for them to achieve their full potential.