Description
Cosmos bipinnatus, more commonly just called “Cosmos” or Garden Cosmos, are a popular garden standard. They’re suitable for cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, and cut flower gardens.
Cosmos are members of the daisy family, and you may even hear them called “Mexican Aster.” They’re an annual flower, but frequently self-seed, especially in warmer climates. Cosmos can range anywhere from 2 to 6 feet tall, depending on the cultivar and growing conditions.
Naturally, Cosmos flowers are generally pink and purple, but some cultivars can be dark red or cheerfully yellow. Flowers are cup-shaped and range from 1.5 to 2.5 inches in diameter. They sit atop tall stems, with sprawling foliage below.
Cosmos are native to Mexico and North America and are tolerant of hot climates and low moisture.
Cosmos are also excellent companion plants for your vegetable garden – with pretty edible flowers that dress up any salad. They can increase pollination for squashes and cucumbers by enticing bees into the garden.
Best of all, they’re excellent forage for native bees, as well as honeybees. Their open blooms make it easy for a wide range of insects to land and lunch.
Sensation Mix Cosmos are an AAS award winner and come in a mix of lavender, pink, magenta and white colors with yellow centers.
This variety reaches about 4 to 4.5 feet tall, adding elegance and movement to any flower bed, as they sway in the breeze.
Benefits of Cosmos in the Garden
- Cosmos attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects
- Easy to grow for children and beginning gardeners
- Prolific self-sowing flowers
- Long flowering season
- Edible flowers
- Excellent cut flowers
- Not prone to pests or disease
Tips for Growing Cosmos
Sow Cosmos bipinnatus once soil conditions have reached 75°F and all chance of frost has passed. You can sow them directly in the garden, but barely cover with soil.
You can also plant them indoors 5 to 7 weeks before transplanting outdoors. Pot up once true leaves appear or start in larger containers if temperatures don’t accommodate planting outdoors.
Plant in full sun in any type of soil and keep lightly moist until the plant establishes, about a week. Plant about 12 inches apart for best results. Taller Cosmos may need staking when planted in windy areas.
Top dress with compost or mulch for long-term feeding and moisture retention.
Water once or twice weekly, depending on local weather conditions. Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer when buds begin to appear.
Harvest cut flowers just as they have opened or deadhead regularly to prolong bloom.
Cosmos bipinnatus Details
- Life span: Annual
- Color scheme: Pink, maroon, lavender, white
- Height: 2-5 feet
- Time to Germinate: 7-10 days.
- Time to maturity: 7-8 weeks
Terms of Sale
Sold by weight — you will receive a minimum of 400 mg of seed, about 50 to 60 seeds, shipped free from Florida via regular USPS First Class Mail to U.S. mailing addresses only.
Refund/Replace/Return Policy
Our policy is to replace or refund any missing or damaged packages, so please contact us directly if you have any problems with your order.
We want happy gardeners and strive to provide a stress-free seed purchase.
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