A cosmos flower never fails to impress! This annual flowering plant is easy to grow in the Summer because it thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. So converting a simple garden into an enchanting space is a piece of cake with cosmos flowers around.
In this article, I'll guide you on how to grow cosmos flowers for a blooming flower garden.
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Cosmos Flower | Everything You Need to Know
Cosmos Species
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Cosmos are low-maintenance annual plants that love direct sunlight and well-drained soil. If you're in search of a flowering plant that blooms throughout the Summer season, then cosmos plant is a good choice. Also, it is a drought-tolerant plant and can handle poor soil conditions.
Cosmos flowers are quite similar to daisy flowers. They have rays of florets around their pollen. A slender stem help cosmos flowers to stand tall and show off their vibrant colors.
Cosmos sulphureus and Cosmos bipinnatus are the two species of cosmos both perfect for your Summer garden.
Cosmos sulphureus. The golden species of cosmos are also known as the yellow cosmos and sulfur cosmos. This particular species is edible and can be used for garnishes and salads.
Cosmos bipinnatus. Commonly called the Mexican aster and garden cosmos, this species is shorter compared to cosmos sulphureus. Interestingly, it's a hermaphrodite plant which means it has both male and female organs.
Growing Cosmos
A cosmos plant is very easy to grow. It needs little care and can withstand neglect. If you want to witness its full bloom, choose the best location that is exposed directly to the sun.
This summer flower can even self-seed and can spread freely into your yard.
Step 1: Find the Best Location
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Nothing is best for your cosmos plants than a spot with a good amount of sunlight. A hot climate and poor to average soil conditions are ideal for growing a cosmos plant.
Cosmos is native to Mexico and South America, so they will grow best in places with conditions similar to those regions.
Step 2: Plant the Seeds
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After waiting for the last frost and finding a good location for your cosmos, now it's time to plant the seeds!
Although cosmos seedlings are readily available in plant stores, growing cosmos from seeds is very simple and straightforward, so there's no need to splurge and buy nursery cosmos plants.
Sow the seeds gently for about ¼ inch deep, 14 to 18 inches apart. Cosmos usually germinates in 7 to 12 days and bloom after 50-60 days.
If you want, planting cosmos seeds ahead of time is also possible. You can plant the seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. Transplant them outdoors right after the last frost, when the weather is already hot and dry with a full blast of sun.
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Step 3: Properly Care for the Plant
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As mentioned, cosmos plants are low maintenance and easy to grow. There's no need to babysit and check them from time to time.
Water the plants only when there is continued drought but avoid overwatering as this may lead to poor production of flowers.
There's no need to add fertilizer too unless your cosmos are struggling. Too much fertilizer can affect the growth of the cosmos making it hardier with an increasing amount of foliage but fewer blooms.
Step 4: Pinch Out the Tips
You might be asking what this is for in growing cosmos? Pinching out is the stage where you pinch or cut off the tip of each stem.
This method is used to reduce the height of a plant, and allow it to grow more side shoots to achieve a lush garden.
Step 5: Prune Dead Flowers
The pruning stage is probably one of the most important tasks to remember if you want to achieve a blooming cosmos garden.
Deadheading or simply removing the faded or dead flowers will help prolong the flowering season.
Step 6: Harvest the Blooms
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After blooming, cosmos flowers are ready for cutting. If you want a long-lasting blossom for your house display, then cut the ones that are freshly bloomed.
They'll last for a week or so in a vase with clean water. Cosmos blooms are pretty in vases and glass jars and add a distinct charm to flower bouquets!
Watch this video by Sarah Raven and learn different methods to sow cosmos plants:
You can call it a summer garden if there's a lush of vibrant cosmos flower around. Besides, it is one of the easiest plants to grow during summertime. I find it is so rewarding every time the colors are starting to pop out.
If you're planning to grow a summer garden then don't forget to include cosmos in your list of flowering plants!
Do you know any more tips on growing a cosmos flower? Let us know in the comments section below.
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