Was it a cristata (crested) type or a plumosa? There is a Celosia cristata 'Toreador' that is a bright red. Perhaps that was it?

It is a cockscomb type. I think that is the cristata type. I did find an article from another trial garden that mentions it. Possibly it is too new to be available? The color was a beautiful dark red.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.uoguelph.ca/plant/trialgarden/

I'm convinced it is a typo at the trial site. My company did an extensive celosia trial in 2011 that included all commercially available and experimental celosias direct from the breeders. Take a look at the Toreador.

Here is a link that might be useful: Toreador

The Celosia I saw is more of a scarlet or crimson and not as bright as Toreador. Thanks for the link though, it might be a decent substitute.

Here is the picture I took of Tornado Red.
{{gwi:26602}}

Is this more like it?

Here is a link that might be useful: another photo

Found it!

Here is a link that might be useful: genesis

That's it! Now, is it possible to order from genesis seeds? They look like a wholesaler.

I checked the links and while they do sell to companies like Harris and Johnny's, I did not see this particular variety listed on their websites.

I know the product managers at Harris - I'll ask them about it. I know that there are NO wholesalers in the US that carry it.

Thanks goblugal. It was very striking and I'm sure it would sell well.

The good news is that Harris IS actually picking it up and adding it to their catalog. The bad news is that they are only putting it in their Wholesale catalog - not Home Gardener.

Thanks for checking on it. It's too bad they don't want to sell them to home gardeners just yet. I'll keep an eye out at my local greenhouses to see if anyone got any from Harris.

I'll see if I can get a sample for you and mail you the seeds

That would be awesome. If you do get some seeds, keep some for yourself. It's a lovely plant.

goblugal,

"The good news is that Harris IS actually picking it up and adding it to their catalog. The bad news is that they are only putting it in their Wholesale catalog"

They don't seem to have it in their Professional Catalog yet.

ZM

I am aware of that Zen - it will be in their 2012/13 catalog. They haven't even created it in their system yet. This is a new introduction.

That was their 2012 catalog that I linked to. Celosia Tornado Red is not listed in their New Varieties for 2012. I guess you are right that "they haven't even created it in their system yet." I wonder if they even have any of the seed yet. Perhaps it will appear in their "New Varieties for 2013" listing, unless there is a crop failure.

Zen, you are correct. I forget that I'm always working a year ahead on releases.

Celosia Tornado Red is now available through Harris Seeds. Because this variety is a mid-season introduction, you won't find it yet in any of the Harris catalogs, but you can find it on the Harris website. This is a certified organic cut flower seed variety that is geared more towards professional growers for cut flower production.

Here is a link that might be useful: Harris Seeds page where you can order the seed.

Nice....tell Vicky "leg cramp" wants a sample :-)

Thanks Harris Seeds! I'll be sure to order it. It was so pretty that I can't wait to grow it myself. If mine looks like what the Extension was able to do, then I think it has a future beyond just professional growers.