Cosmos Flower

Cosmos flowers originate from Mexico However, their name is derived directly from their Greek words “kosmos,” meaning “beautiful thing,” and the beautiful things they can be. They thrive in borders, beds containers, cutting gardens, and borders with blooms that last throughout the summer.

A perennial favorite of gardeners, the cosmos are sturdy, affordable (a six-pack of seedlings will likely cost you $1.50. A seed packet is even less). They are easy to cultivate and adaptable to all regions of the continent of North America.

Cosmos flower have been an integral part of American landscapes since the 30s, when they were first created. It doesn’t matter if you’ve had a long-standing relationship with them or are attempting to plant their very first time; it’s bound to be enthralled by these stunning summer flowers. Cosmos species

The Cosmos flowers that are most frequently grown come from two species Cosmos with lace (Cosmos bipinnatus) are flowering in a yellow center that varies in color from white, pale pink, purplish, or reddish-pink (the one known as ‘Yellow Gardens is a notable exception in color) and sulfur cosmos (C. sulphureus) are blooms that cover the spectrum of sunshine from bright yellow, to intense orange, to close to red.

Apart from color, the other noticeable variations are in the sizes of flowers and leaves. Lace cosmos flower heads are approximately 3 inches in width and have ferny foliage that has delicate textures. Sulfur flowers are smaller, but they have more extensive lines of flowers. The leaves are similar to those of marigolds.

Another species, a cocoa cosmos (C. atrosanguineus), has dark-maroon flowers with a chocolate-like smell. In favorable climates, they can behave like perennials taking advantage of a dense blanket of snow in winter towards the colder part of their hardiness range.

Cosmos Glossary

Whatever type you select, look over the label before plant to know the height at which the cosmos will take on. The sizes vary greatly, ranging from 14 inches to 5 feet. You aren’t likely to get the tallest flower when you had hoped for something less small.

You can find these at a local garden store or in your nursery:

Cosmos bipinnatus “Sea Shells”: This hybrid flower is available in various shades such as red, pink, and white. The flower petals are rolled up and are funnel-shaped. Sea Shells will reach 36 to 48 inches tall.

C. Sulphureus “Bright Lights”: The early-flowering semi-double (having more than one row of blooms; however, there are fewer overall flowers as total doubles) flowers of the collection add fiery colors to the garden right from spring until when the frosts begin to appear.

These robust, weather-resistant cultivars are available in bright yellow and gold, orange, and scarlet. They’re ideal for sunny borders. Bright lights typically measure 36 inches tall.

C. bipinnatus “Sensation”: The Sensation series of cosmos sport beautiful, bright green leaves. From the early summer to when the frost is first appearing, they blossom flowers that can be up to 4 inches in diameter.

Sensation Pink and Sensation White. Comprising Sensation White and Sensation Pink are grown to show their natural colors. The white-floured flowers of Sensation White create an attractive design for any border or bed. Both Sensation Pink and Sensation White be between 24 and 36 inches tall.

C. bipinnatus “Sonata White”: Selections from C. bipinnatus “Sonata White”: The Sonata series, which includes Sonata White, are dwarf or compact plants. Similar to all bipinnatus types, Sonata White has daisylike flowers and ferny leaves with a delicate texture. It can grow to 14 to 18 inches tall. The Cosmos is growing

Cosmos Flower Planting And Fertilizing 

Reliable and durable, the annual Cosmos does not require a head start indoors once temperatures outside have been stabilized to a minimum of 60 degrees, plant seeds on a 1/8-inch layer of soil. (If you’d instead begin the seeds indoors, sow the seeds about six weeks before the last frost.)

There isn’t much need for fertilizer as over-fertilizing could result in large, bushy stems and plenty of leaves, but very few flowers, and don’t be concerned about the dry summers as these plants love heat and thrive in places where the soil is thin, or there is a lack of rainfall.

To keep your plants blooming for several weeks, you must deadhead blooms that have died frequently. In mid-summer, flowers on taller cosmos start to fade less often, cut the entire plant back to about half to create another bloom in the late summer. This will continue through the fall.

Do not be too eager to collect dying cosmos after the close of the year. Animals (particularly golden finches) like to eat their seedheads during autumn. The seeds they don’t eat could be buried in the soil and reward you with a fresh harvest next season.