Growing Cosmos

Annual Flower
Biological Name: Cosmos sulphureus and Cosmos bipinnatus
Family: Aster
Cosmos Description:
These cottage garden plants are the easiest to grow. They are prized for the abundant, silky, daisylike flowers and can be grown by simply scattering the seeds. Its vibrant colour helps in attracting butterflies, bees and birds to the garden. Plant them in a container or in the garden beds or simply use them as cut flowers, the choice is yours!
Cosmos Flower Growing Information:

Tools needed to grow Cosmos flowers:
• Gardening gloves
• Packet of Cosmos seeds
• Trowel
• Rake
• Label and pencil

How to Plant Cosmos plant:
• Choose from 20 different varieties of Cosmos plants.
• Plant Cosmos seeds indoors about 4-6 weeks before last frost.
• For optimum growth choose a location that receives full sun and plant them in a well drained soil.
• Remember that these plants self-seed.
• Note that they can tolerate both warm and dry weather.

How to take care of Cosmos:
• Cosmos requires minimal maintenance.
• Water the plant in case of prolonged drought.
• There is no need for fertilizer as they can handle poor soil.
• Staking needs to be done inorder to ensure that the tall plants do not flop over.
• Do not forget to get rid of dead and faded flowers.

Popular Varieties of Cosmos:
• Bright Lights Mix – attractive amalgamation of yellows, oranges and reds.
• Cosmic Orange – drought tolerant orange colour flower.
• Peppermint Candy - lovely petals splashed in magenta and white.
• Seashells Series - features distinctive tubular petals and stunning colours.
• Chocolate Cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus) – these are dark red colour flowers that smell like chocolate.
Happy Gardening!