Cheery, vibrant blooms in shades of red, orange and yellow dazzle on these hardy plants. Reaching three to four feet when planted in full sun, they’ll produce a cosmic beauty show from midsummer until first frost. Butterflies and hummingbirds love the nectar from the blossoms.
Spanish conquistadors searching for gold discovered these flowers on their journeys through Mexico. Mission gardens often included these flowers, which priests gave the name “cosmos,” the Greek word for a harmonious whole, because of their neatly spaced petals. Cosmos flowers made their way to England with Spanish ambassadors in the late 18th century, and to the United States in the following century.
Cosmos are a superb choice for wildflower and naturalized areas, as they are drought tolerant, and neglect is the kind of care they prefer! An excellent cut flower. Deer resistant.
~ germination ~
In early spring or after the last frost, scatter the seeds on the surface of loose soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which should take place within 10-20 days at soil temperatures from 65-75 degrees F. Cooler soil temperatures may delay germination. Seedlings do not need to be thinned, but can be transplanted if they appear too crowded. Since these seeds germinate quickly in warm soil, they can be sown at any time before midsummer for another crop of flowers. To start the seed indoors, sow on the surface of a flat 6-8 weeks before the last frost of spring; keep the soil evenly moist and at a temperature of 70-75 degrees F until germination. Keep the soil fairly dry after the seedlings appear; when there is no chance of frost, transplant them outdoors. The soil does not need to be rich, but it must be well-drained; light shade is tolerated, but will dramatically lessen the amount of blooms.
~ growing ~
As soon as seedlings appear, only water them in very dry weather. This flower must not be over-watered, and thrives in drought conditions and heat; if prolonged drought occurs, give the plants one deep watering. If blooming begins to decrease, cut the plant back to 12” for new growth; more blossoms will come in about 4 weeks. If allowed to self-seed, this flower will produce a new crop of flowers next year. This flower attracts birds, butterflies, and bees.
~ harvesting for cut flowers ~
Cosmos blossoms make lovely, long lasting cut flowers. Cut long stems of blossoms that have just opened, and remove any foliage that will fall below the water level. These flowers usually have a vase life of 7-10 days. Cosmos blossoms also make attractive dried flowers.
