How to Grow and Care for Cosmos Flowers
Annual, Cosmos
If you are a new gardener, Cosmos are a great plant to start with. Fast growing,
there is little that can go wrong when growing this tall plant. Cosmos are
native to Central America and Mexico. They grow quickly to a height of 4-5
feet. Brightly colored single or double flowers include white, pink, orange,
yellow, and scarlet.
Cosmos look great at the back of the garden and in informal arrangements.
Flower Height: up to 3 feet.
Popular Varieties: Bright Lights, Sea Shells Mixture, Sensation Picotee
Plant Propagation:
Cosmos are grown from large seeds, making them easy to plant. They germinate
quickly and never stop from there, normally growing four to five feet in
a season.
For good germination, it is important to keep soil moist while germinating.
Sow Cosmos seeds directly into the garden just before the last frost in your
area. Space plants 12 inches apart and thin to 18 inches.
While most Cosmos are annuals, there are perennial varieties. Perennial varieties
are Rhizomes and can also be propagated by division.
Days to Germination: 7 - 10
How to Grow Cosmos Plants:
Cosmos plants prefer full sun to partial shade. They will do well in both
average and poor soils. They are tolerant dry soil conditions. Add a general
purpose fertilizer once or twice a season.
Taller plants may require staking. However, this can be avoided if planted
in an area protected from the wind.
Flowers Bloom: Summer through Fall
Insect and Disease:
Insects and disease problems are very rare for Cosmos. If problems occur,
treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.
More Garden Information:
How
to Grow Cosmos Plants
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