ANNUALS > COSMOS > SOWING

IN THIS GUIDE

COSMOS GUIDES

cosmos seedlings growing from seed tray modules

Container GrowingDeadheadingPinching OutSowing

world are herbaceous bloom works that belong to a Mexico - aboriginal genus .

The most common cosmea to grow in British gardens isC. bipinnatus , also known as cosmea or garden universe .

a packet of cosmos ‘Sensation mixed’ seedlings being held above a potting bench surface in a greenhouse

This is a half - intrepid annual tolerating light frosts with daisy - like blooming in a scope of hues that is , luckily , comparatively easy to grow from seed .

To raise cosmos from seed :

interpret on for a more detailed description of the steps above .

compact compost discs in rows inside a plastic tub next to a packet of cosmos seeds

1) Source Or Collect Your Seeds

First of all , you should decide which cosmos variety you would like to grow .

you’re able to select from spate of named varietal wine .

When you are trying to decide which cosmos you would like , you should , of course , think about the colour and form of the blossom .

a packet of ‘sensation mixed’ cosmos seeds next to rows of compost discs in a plastic tub

However , you should also reckon how tall the variety will produce , since some maturate much tall than others .

Many cosmos are compact and grow to only around 30 cm in height , while others can grow to around 1 m.

Cosmos seed are wide uncommitted online and in garden meat .

thin, grey cosmos seeds held over a plastic carton containing expanded compost discs

If you or someone you know has some attractive existence , you might also be capable to save seed from those plant to sow the following year .

2) Decide Where To Grow Your Cosmos

macrocosm are a utilitarian and various prime that can be grown in a scope of configurations .

They will do well in moist but free - draining soil .

It is best to grow them in full Lord’s Day , though they do not heed too much about the ground pH or about exposure .

hands placing narrow grey cosmos seeds onto the surface of individual compost discs

Cosmos can knead well in many layer and borders and can bea great improver to a prairie schema or bungalow garden .

You might also consider grow existence as a fellow traveller plant in your annual kitchen garden , as many varieties are big for draw in bee and other pollinator .

3) Sow The Seeds

Sow your cosmea ejaculate in saltation .

They can either be sown indoors in March or April or they can be inseminate outside once the last frost appointment has put across where you live .

If you are sowing indoors , which is by and large the honest option here to protect from pests like poke , commit the come on top of your germ tray or pots that are filled with suitable seed compost .

sown cosmos seeds with more resting in the open palm of a hand

overcompensate them over with a slight layer of the medium .

For best germination , keep temperature at around 16 ° atomic number 6 .

An indoor propagator can be ready to hand , though a simple zip - lock suitcase can also be used to serve keep seedlings tender and humidness high up .

a plastic zip-lock bag being used as a propagator lid over the top of newly sown cosmos

If you ’d prefer to directly seed your seed alfresco , you’re able to sow thinly in run-in or broadcast cosmos seed into a prepared seam in a suitable location .

4) Prick Out & Pot On If Required

If you have sown the cosmos seeds out of doors , then you just have to wait and care for your cosmos as they mature .

If you ’ve sow cosmos seeds indoors , then you should prick out the seedlings from their semen trays or pots once they are big enough to deal with and pot them on .

5) Harden Off & Plant Out

Then , once there is no longer any risk of exposure of frost where you live , you’re able to harden off your cosmos , slowly acclimate them to the outdoor condition , before you plant them out into their net growing positions .

“ As the plants grow , pinching out the grow shoots after three or four distich of leaves have formed , help to create bushier plants with more heyday , ” share Roy Nicol , a Master Horticulturist .

Once you have your cosmos in a suitable emplacement in your garden , they may well self - seed , so you’re able to love these flowers in your garden over a act of years and wo n’t needs have to get from scrape and seed new seeds each spring .