How To Grow Cosmos Bipinnatus From Seeds
Cosmos bipinnatus, also known as garden cosmos, is a popular annual flower that adds vibrant color to gardens and flower beds.
Growing cosmos from seeds is a cost-effective and simple way to add these beautiful blooms to your landscape.
Below is a guide to help you growing cosmos bipinnatus from seeds:
Step 1: Choose the Right Location
Cosmos thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight and has good drainage to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged. If your soil is heavy, you can amend it with compost or sand to improve its drainage.
Step 2: Sow the Seeds
Cosmos seeds can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors. If starting indoors, sow the seeds in pots or seed trays filled with seed-starting mix, and place them in a warm, sunny location. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and be patient, as it may take up to a week for the seeds to germinate.
If sowing directly into the ground, wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and about 6 to 12 inches apart. Cover the seeds with soil and water gently to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Step 3: Care for the Seedlings
Once the seeds have germinated, they will start to grow into seedlings. Cosmos seedlings are relatively hardy and can tolerate some light frost. However, to ensure healthy growth, protect them from extreme temperatures and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Step 4: Transplant Seedlings
If you started your cosmos seeds indoors, you'll need to transplant them into the garden once they have several true leaves and the danger of frost has passed. Space the seedlings about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow enough room for their roots to spread and the plant to grow.
Step 5: Water and Fertilize
Cosmos plants are drought-tolerant, but they will produce more blooms and healthier growth if they receive consistent moisture. Water your cosmos plants deeply once a week, or more frequently if the soil is dry.
Cosmos plants are also light feeders and do not require a lot of fertilizer. However, if you want to promote healthy growth and more abundant blooms, you can feed your plants with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.
Step 6: Deadhead and Stake
Deadheading is the process of removing spent blooms from your cosmos plants to encourage the production of more flowers. To deadhead your cosmos, simply pinch off the spent blooms as they start to fade.
As your cosmos plants grow taller, they may start to droop or bend over. To prevent this, you can stake them with sturdy stakes or cages. Simply insert the stakes into the ground near the base of the plants, and tie the plants to the stakes with soft garden ties.
In conclusion, growing cosmos bipinnatus from seeds is a simple and rewarding process. With the right location, proper care, and a little patience, you'll soon be enjoying an abundance of vibrant and colorful blooms in your garden.
Get Cosmos Bipinnatus Seeds Here
