Scientific Name: Cosmos bipinnatus
Height: Cosmos plants typically range in height from 50-120cm (20-47 inches). This information is crucial for determining where to place them in your garden or landscape to ensure they have enough space to grow without overcrowding other plants.
Days to Maturity: Cosmos flowers have a relatively short maturity period, usually taking around 90-100 days to reach full bloom. Knowing this timeframe is essential for planning your garden and anticipating when you can expect the flowers to bloom.
Plant Spacing: When planting cosmos flowers, it is recommended to space them approximately 25cm (10 inches) apart. Proper spacing allows each plant to receive adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients for optimal growth.
Sun Preference: Cosmos flowers thrive in full sun conditions. Ensure that you plant them in an area where they will receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for healthy development and abundant blooming.
Plant Type: Cosmos flowers are classified as annual plants, meaning they complete their life cycle within one growing season. As annuals, cosmos plants will bloom profusely during their growing season and then die off with the first frost.
Pinching: It is advisable to pinch back cosmos plants when they reach a height of 10-30cm (8-12 inches). Pinching helps promote bushier growth and more flower production by encouraging lateral branching.
Appearance : Cosmos flowers are known for their delicate and airy appearance, resembling daisies with their daisy-like blossoms. They come in a variety of colours, including white, pink, red, and even unique shades like pale yellow with green undertones or deep ruby fading into terracotta. The flowers can be single or double-flowered, adding to their visual appeal. Some varieties have petals that are fused together, creating teacup-shaped blooms, while others have ruffled petals that look like snowflakes dancing in the breeze. We have cross pollinated all our varies and are breeding more, These are open pollinated flowers which means plants that are pollinated naturally by insects, birds, wind, or other natural mechanisms. This type of pollination allows the plants to cross with other plants of the same species, leading to a wide genetic diversity in the offspring.
Vase life: Vase life can be expected for 5-6 days
Special Features : Cosmos flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the overall health of the garden ecosystem. With proper care, cosmos can bloom from summer all the way to the first frost, providing continuous colour and beauty in the garden.
Design features: I love these flowers for the floaty and bouncy nature, adding movement to any arrangement. I use them as floating flowers, however when they are the larger variety they can be used as a supporting flower. The cut flower variety is not to be mixed up with the cosmos you will find on the side of the road. These are weeds and will not last in a vase.
