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How to Plant and Grow Garden Cosmos – Follow these simple steps and you’ll be enjoying these beautiful flowers in no time!
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What are Garden Cosmos?
Garden Cosmos are annual flowers that are easy to grow and maintain. They come in a variety of colors including pink, white, yellow, and orange. These flowers are typically 6-8 inches in diameter and have a long flowering season. Garden Cosmos are also known to attract butterflies and bees, making them a great addition to any garden!
Why Plant Garden Cosmos?
If you’re looking for a splash of color in your garden, cosmos are a great choice. These annuals are easy to grow and maintain, and they bloom from summer until frost. Cosmos come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, purple, and red. They’re also relatively drought-tolerant, so they’re a great option for gardeners in dry climates.
When should you plant garden cosmos?
The best time to plant cosmos is in the spring, after the last frost has passed. You can sow the seeds directly in the ground or start them indoors and transplant them later. If you start the seeds indoors, do so about six weeks before the last frost is expected.
How to plant garden cosmos
Whether you’re planting the seeds directly in the ground or starting them indoors, Cosmos prefer full sun and well-drained soil. If your soil is particularly heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand to improve drainage. To plant the seeds, simply press them into the soil surface; they don’t need to be covered. Once they germinate (in about two weeks), thin the seedlings to about 12 inches apart.
Watering and fertilizing garden cosmos
Cosmos are relatively drought-tolerant once they’re established, but they will bloom more profusely if you keep them watered during extended dry periods. Fertilize your plants about once a month with a balanced fertilizer to encourage more blooms. Deadheading (removing spent flowers) will also encourage more blooms throughout the season.
When to Plant Garden Cosmos?
The best time to plant garden cosmos is in the spring, after all danger of frost has passed. Cosmos can be direct-sown into the garden, or started indoors 4-6 weeks before your last average frost date. If starting cosmos indoors, use peat pots that can be planted directly in the garden to avoid root disturbance.
Where to Plant Garden Cosmos?
Garden cosmos are easy to grow from seed, and they make excellent cut flowers. You can direct sow cosmos seeds in your garden after the last frost date in your area. Alternatively, you can start cosmos seeds indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost date. Cosmos prefer full sun but will tolerate light shade. They also prefer well-drained soil. Amend your garden soil with compost or peat moss before planting to help ensure good drainage.
How to Plant Garden Cosmos?
Before planting, work some compost or other organic matter into the soil to a depth of 8 inches. Cosmos prefer full sun but will toleratesome afternoon shade in hot summer areas. They also prefer light, sandy soils but will grow in just about any type of soil as long as it is not too heavy or wet.
To start cosmos from seed, sow the seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last average frost date in your area. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and keep them moist until they germinate. Once they have sprouted, move the seedlings to a sunny location. When all danger of frost has passed, transplant them outdoors, spacing them 18-24 inches apart.
If you are short on time or space, you can also purchase cosmos plants at your local nursery or garden center. Be sure to choose healthy plants that are not rootbound (i.e., growing in too small of a pot).
Once established, garden cosmos are relatively drought tolerant and do not require a lot of care. Water them regularly, especially during dry periods. Fertilize with a general-purpose fertilizer every few weeks during blooming to encourage more flowers. Deadhead (remove spent flowers) to keep plants looking tidy and promote more blooming.
How to Grow Garden Cosmos?
Garden cosmos are annual plants that are easy to grow from seed. You can start them indoors or directly sow them in your garden. Cosmos flower best in full sun and well-drained soil. To encourage blooming, deadhead spent flowers regularly. Garden cosmos will self-seed if left to their own devices. If you want to save seeds for future planting, let a few flowers go to seed and harvest the seeds when the heads turn brown.
How to Care for Garden Cosmos?
To ensure your cosmos grow to be as tall and healthy as possible, provide them with rich, well-drained soil. The addition of compost will provide an extra boost. If you’re planting in poor or very sandy soil, consider amending it with compost or another organic material. Once they’re in the ground, cosmos are relatively drought tolerant; however, they will perform and flower best if they receive regular watering, especially during prolonged dry spells. Water at the base of the plant, taking care not to wet the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Fertilize your cosmos every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10.
Garden Cosmos Pests and Diseases
Garden cosmos, Cosmos bipinnatus, are annual plants that are easy to grow from seed. They are often grown as ornamental plants in flower beds and borders. The flowers of garden cosmos are usually pink, red, or white, but there are also varieties that have yellow or orange flowers. Garden cosmos typically bloom from mid-summer to early fall.
Unfortunately, garden cosmos are susceptible to several pests and diseases. Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies can all infest these plants. These pests can suck the sap from the leaves of garden cosmos, causing them to turn yellow and wilt. They can also spread diseases like mosaic virus. To control these pests, use a pesticide that is specific for the type of pest you have. For example, if you have aphids, use a pesticide that is labeled for use against aphids.
Garden cosmos can also be affected by powdery mildew and leaf spot fungi. These diseases can cause the leaves of garden cosmos to turn yellow or brown and eventually drop off the plant. To control these diseases, spray your plants with a fungicide that is specifically labeled for use against powdery mildew or leaf spot fungi. Be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully.
Harvesting Garden Cosmos
After bloom begins, cut long-stemmed blossoms for indoor bouquets. Blossoms last longest if cut in the morning when flowers are fully open. Strip off all but the top leaves, and stand cuts in warm water. Repeat daily as needed. To encourage bushiness and prolong bloom, pinch back plants by one-half in mid-June.
