Cosmos - Mexican Aster

(Cos'mos)

DESCRIPTION: These beautiful annual and tender perennial plants are found wild in Mexico. They'll grow from 18 inches to 6 feet high. The leaves are 3 to 5 inches long and finely divided. The single or double flowers are 2 to 6 inches across and come in a variety of colors. C. sulphureus may be orange, yellow, or mahogany and C. bipinnatus may be pink, rose, crimson, lilac, or white. They bloom in the summer and early fall. C. atrosanguineus, the Chocolate Cosmos, is a pretty tender perennial that grows up to 2 feet high with a spread of 18 inches. The dark green leaves are spoon-shaped and divided and sometimes shaded with purple. The maroon-crimson, single flowers are produced on thin stems from late summer until the first frost and they give off a chocolate scent

POTTING: Cosmos will flourish in regular, well-drained, moist garden soil in a position that is sheltered from strong winds. They love sun. If the soil is too fertile, the plants will produce an abundance of foliage at the expense of the flowers. Removing dead flowers will increase the amount of blooms. In the winter, protect the tubers with dry mulch or lift the tubers and store them in a cool, dry, frost-free place.

PROPAGATION: Seeds may be sown indoors in a 70 degree temperature, 4 to 6 weeks before it's safe to plant outdoors. They should be planted in pots or pans of loam, leaf mold and sand. The baby plants are transplanted to flats or are potted individually in small pots. Seeds may be sown where they are to grow when the soil is warm. Basal cuttings may also be used in the spring.

VARIETIES: C. bipinnatus; C. sulphureus; C. diversifolius; C. atrosanguineus. (There are named varieties of the natural types.)

Sunny Red Cosmos

Bright Lights Mix Cosmos

Versailles Series

Go see DICTIONARY OF BOTANICAL NAMES.

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