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. ©2006 Cornell University . All rights reserved. .