Their leaves and flowers can be used as vegetables. They are often grown as foods in India, Western Africa, and South America. Celosia argentea is a tender annual that is often grown in gardens. It blooms in mid-spring to summer. It is propagated by seeds. The seeds are extremely small, up to 43,000 seeds per ounce. The flowers are hermaphrodites and the plant also exhibits dodecaploidy. As these plants are of tropical origin, they grow best in full sunlight and should be placed in a well-drained area. Full sunlight means they should get at least 8 hours of direct sunlight. For healthy growth plant them in the area where they get early morning sunlight and afternoon shade. In the afternoon the sunlight are mostly harsh especially in hot summer. Afternoon shade will save the plant from excessive heat. The flowerheads can last up to 8 weeks, and further growth can be promoted by removing dead flowers.