Cosmos (C. sulphureus) Annual Flower

Also known as Mexican Aster Cosmos sulphureus Asteraceae Family

A tall annual that fills space rapidly, Cosmos is renowned for its profuse

blooms and generous self-seeding habit. Perfect for providing large

splashes of warm colors in the garden.

Site Characteristics Plant Traits Special Considerations

Sunlight: Lifecycle: annual Special characteristics:

. full sun Ease-of-c a r e : easy . aggressive - Self-seeds . part shade prolifically. Height: 1 to 6 feet . non-invasive Soil conditions: . native to North America - Spread: 1 to 2 feet North and South America . requires well-drained soil . tolerates low fertility Bloom time: Attracts:

Does not do well in rich soil, . mid-summer . butterflies becoming leggy and weak. Prefers . late summer neutral to alkaline pH and warm . early fall Special uses: weather. . mid-fall . cut flowers Flowers from July until frost. . direct-seeding . wildflowers Flower color:

. red . orange . yellow

Foliage color: medium green

Foliage texture: fine

Very lacy, airy foliage. 'Ladybird' Series has less feathery leaves.

Shape: upright

Shape in flower: same as above

Growing Information

How t o p l a n t :

Propagate by seed - Scatter seeds outdoors where desired after frost danger has passed, or start indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. The plants self seed prolifically.

Germination temperature: 70 F to 75 F

Days to emergence: 7 to 14

Maintenance and care: May require staking. May be weedy due to self seeding. Deadhead to prolong flowering.

More growing information: How to Grow Annuals

Varieties

Look for dwarfs, various flower colors and plant heights.

‘Ladybird’ Series: yellow, orange or red semi-double flowers on dwarf 1 to 1 ½’ tall plants. Leaves are not feathery like other Cosmos.

‘Polidor’ mix: 2” flowers in shades of yellow and orange on 2 to 2 ½’ tall plants.

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