Cosmos genus Cosmos
Cosmos genus Cosmos
Monthly Theme: Bring on the ANNUALS!
I’ll be the first to admit I don’t invest a lot of money in annuals. Since they only last one season, I can’t justify the expense (feel free to call me cheap or preferably thrifty). However, I do start several annuals from seed. For the low price of a package of seeds, I get to enjoy colorful blooms and whimsical greenery in my garden throughout the summer. Of course, you can save your own seeds for next year – just don’t tell Monsanto! This month we will feature my favorite annual plant Cosmos genus Cosmos.
Though there are 20 known species of Cosmos, the most common ones are Cosmos sulphureus and Cosmos bipinnatus. I grow the taller species Cosmos sulphureus. Some of my other favorite annuals include: Zinnia, Strawflower Bracteantha, Nasturtium, and Spider flower Cleome hassleriana.
Cosmos can be started from seeds indoor approximately 4-5 weeks before the last frost. Truthfully, I just wait until it’s warm enough and start them outside in pots or trays. All you need is some potting soil, lots of sunlight, and water for these mighty plants to grow. They will be ready to plant in the yard in 7-21 days. Trust me these are so simple to grow that they are often used in children’s gardens.
Here’s what I admire about the sun-loving annual Cosmos. They grow 4’-6’ tall, they seem to dance gracefully in the wind, the daisy-like flowers come in a variety of colors (white, pink, magenta, orange, and yellow), and they need little to no attention. Honestly, they don’t even need good soil or fertilizer. In fact, if you fertile too much, they will bloom less, but have super green foliage. Once established, you don’t even have to water them – you can leave that job to Mother Nature. The birds, bees, and butterflies love them. They are prolific bloomers. They make great cut-flowers and will bloom all summer whether you like it or not!
However, if you want more flowers, you have to deadhead. Deadhead, deadhead, deadhead –no, it’s not some 80’s rock band, but just you and your favorite pruning shears cutting off the spent flowers to encourage new growth. That’s as hard as it gets with Cosmos. Put your headphones on and listen to music or your favorite gardening podcast while you trim off those dead flowers.
Shhh, here’s a secret. The seed package will tell you to plant them 1’-3’ apart, but I like to plant them close together (closer to 1’). Since they grow so tall, they are able to support each other when they are close together. Isn’t that so like us needed to lean upon our friends and family to support us through life? Of course, you can stake them if they start falling over.
How to Plant
Plant in a sunny location.
Sow seeds several weeks before the last frost.
They will grow in poor soil.
Moist, but well-drained soil.
Smarty Plants Fun Facts
Cosmos belong to the Asteraceae family (cousin to the Sunflower family)
Full sun to Partial shade
4’-6’ tall
6.0 to 6.8; slightly acidic to neutral
Low/easy maintenance
Drought tolerant - they love the heat
“Raise your words, not your voice. It’s rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” Rumi
The More You Grow
Cosmos are native to Mexico and South America. In Mexico, Spanish priests grew Cosmos in their missionary gardens. They named the flower Cosmos after the Greek word kosmos, which means harmony or an orderly universe. In the crazy COVID-19 chaos, we need a little harmony and order in the lives and gardens – so let’s plant some Cosmos plants.
History teaches us that Cosmos were brought to Madrid in the 16th Century by Spanish explorers. The wife of the Spanish ambassador collected Cosmos seeds and brought them back to England in the late 1700’s. Fifty years later, Cosmos made its way to our gardens in the United States.
With Cosmos growing in my garden, the universe just feels a touch more harmonious.