Cosmos was not familiar to home gardeners until after it became the subject of breeding programs in the early 1900s. The name "cosmos" comes from a Greek word for beautiful and orderly, and it is an easy flower to grow. Cosmos germinates readily and thrives without special care, which makes it a good choice for beginning gardeners, including children.
Popular Cosmos Species
The two species of cosmos that are typically grown in home gardens are Cosmos sulphereus and Cosmos bipinnatus. They can reach a height of 7 feet, but many cultivars are smaller. C. sulphereus has long, narrow leaves, and the flowers bloom in shades of yellow, orange and red. C. bipinnatus has fern-like foliage, with flowers in white or shades of pink.
Planting Cosmos
Cosmos thrives in poor soils, as long as there is good drainage. Select a sunny spot, as cosmos needs a minimum of eight hours of direct sunlight to produce an abundance of blooms. Sow the seed directly in the garden in early spring. Water the planting area daily after seeding for five to 10 days. Keep the soil moist, but not wet. Germination occurs in seven to 21 days when the soil is 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds may not germinate if the soil temperature is below 65 degrees. Rake the seeds into the soil at no more than 1/16 inch deep.
Cosmos is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 10 and may reseed in climates with warm winters. If you live in a climate with a late spring, start seeds indoors and transplant seedlings to the garden after the soil warms.
Caring for Cosmos
Once seedlings appear, water only when the ground is dry. Cosmos is drought tolerant and needs very little water for optimum blooming. Rich soil produces more foliage than flowers, so fertilize lightly, if at all. Cosmos plants will blossom about 50 days after direct seeding and will bloom continuously from May to November. Shear the plants monthly to 12 to 18 inches high after seed pods have formed. Plants will rebloom after they've been cut back. Any seeds that fall on the ground before shearing may germinate and create more plants, leading to a longer display of flowers.
Uses for Cosmos Flowers
Cosmos flowers provide a colorful, airy addition to bouquets. For cut flowers, select those with partially open petals; collect them in the morning when their water content is highest. The flowers will fully open after cutting and last for seven to 10 days. As soon as you cut the stems, place the flowers in water. Strip the leaves from the stems so no foliage is submerged. In addition to their use as cut flowers in fresh displays, cosmos can be dried for use in everlasting arrangements. They also make good specimens for flower pressing.
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