About Cosmos: How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Cosmos
For me, the beauty of a summer garden bed overflowing with brightly coloured cosmos flowers encapsulates summertime—carefree, hot sunny days. Native to sub-tropical North America, cosmos are mostly annuals in the Pacific Northwest region. Except for the Cosmos atrosanguineus (Chocolate cosmos), a half-hardy perennial – and yes, they actually have a dark chocolate fragrance. The C. bipinnatus and C. sulphureus are the classic cosmos annuals. Bees and butterflies are attracted to cosmos flowers as well as other beneficial bugs. The flowers vary in shades of pinks, whites, and yellows blooming mid-summer through early autumn or first frost. All cosmos grow quickly in garden beds or containers. How to grow cosmos from seeds and these easy-care tips will ensure this annual summer blooms continuously through to fall in your garden. They almost thrive on neglect. Plant care for these colourful cosmos flowers couldn’t be easier.
Cosmos flowers make lovely cut flowers. The best time to cut them and bring them indoors is just as the petals start to open.
Cosmos At A Glance
Type: Annuals (exception C. atrosanguineus Chocolate cosmos which is a half-hardy perennial)
Location: Full Sun
Blooming Season: Summer, Autumn
Size: Up to 60 cm (2 feet); C. sulphureus can grow up to 1.5 metres (5 feet)
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How To Plant And Grow Cosmos
Cosmos are easy-care, fast-growing annuals that can be planted in most soil conditions. They grow best in free-draining soil and prefer a sunny location protected from strong winds. Plant in late spring or early summer. Cosmos can also be grown from seed in late spring after the last frost for the season. They can also be grown indoors. Staking long stems may be necessary.
If you wish to encourage a bushier plant, pinch out young stem tips or central shoots. And to prolong flowering, deadhead cosmos frequently by removing faded and dead flowers. Water regularly. Once mature, they are drought tolerant. And generally, additional fertilizing is not required. Too much water or fertilization can promote plant growth at the expense of flowers.
Generally, cosmos are pest and disease-free. And thankfully, deer seem to also ignore it. Though fawns may try most things at least once.
The C. atrosanguineus (Chocolate cosmos) is a half-hardy perennial and should be stored similar to overwintering dahlias at the end of the season.
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