Quick Overview
Cosmos , with their vibrant blooms and slowly - get going nature , are a nurseryman ’s delight . Their daisy - similar flowers , in a kaleidoscope of color , add a cheerful sense of touch to any garden . Whether you ’re a seasoned pro or agardening novice , thiscomprehensive guidewill put up you with everything you require to bang about how to implant and grow cosmea .
Getting Started
1. Choosing the Right Variety
Cosmos come in awide rangeof varieties , from improbable and imposing to compact and bushy . Choose the case that best suits yourgarden spaceand desire look . Some popular varieties include :
2. Selecting a Planting Site
Cosmos thrive in full sun to partial ghost and well - drain soil . deflect areas with backbreaking stiff orpoor drainage , as this can direct to root rot .
Planting Cosmos
3. Preparing the Soil
Before planting , amend the soil with compost or well - decompose manuretoimprove drainageand fertility . If the soil is heavy , consideradding perliteor sand to buoy up it .
4. Sowing Seeds
Cosmos can besown directlyin the garden orstarted indoors6 - 8 week before the last frost . verbatim sowing : Sow seeds1/4inch deepand 12 - 18 inch aside . Keep thesoil moistuntil sprouting , which normally admit 7 - 14 days . Indoor start up : Sow seeds in aseed trayor peat pots filled with seed starting mix . send the tray in a warm , sunny locationor under grow illumination . organ transplant seedlings outside after the last frost .
5. Transplanting Seedlings
When seedlings have developed 2 - 3 set oftrue parting , they are quick to be transfer into the garden . Harden off seedling bygradually exposingthem to out-of-door condition for a week before transplantation . Dig golf hole 12 - 18 column inch asunder and gently undo the root of the seedlings before planting .
Care and Maintenance
6. Watering
world are drought - tolerant but will benefit fromregular watering , especially during spicy , juiceless atmospheric condition . Water deeply and infrequently , allowing the soil to dry out out somewhat between lachrymation .
7. Fertilizing
Cosmos do notrequire gruelling fecundation . Alight applicationof a balanced fertilizer once a month during thegrowing seasonis sufficient .
8. Deadheading
Deadheading spend bloom encourage unexampled blooms and keep on the plant looking tidy . Simply crimp off thefaded flowersat the base .
9. Pest and Disease Control
Cosmos aregenerally pest – and disease - resistant . However , they can be susceptible to aphid , wanderer mites , andpowdery mold . reminder constitute regularly and treat any infestation promptly .
Harvesting and Enjoying Cosmos
10. Cutting Flowers
Cosmos make splendid baseball swing flowers and can last up to 2 week in a vase . track staunch at an angle and place them in water immediately .
11. Collecting Seeds
If you want tosave seedsforfuture planting , permit some prime to go to seed . When the semen heads turn dark-brown and ironic , ignore them off and place them in apaper bagto dry .
Troubleshooting
12. Leggy Plants
Leggy plant can be induce byinsufficient sunlightor too muchnitrogen fertilizer . Ensure plants receive at least 6 hour of sunshine per day and keep down fertiliser program .
13. Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leave can indicatenutrient deficiencyor overwatering . Check thesoil pHand fertilize if necessary . Avoid overwatering and allow the soil to dry out out somewhat between watering .
14. Wilting Plants
Wilting plant can be cause by drought or root rot . body of water deep and regularly , peculiarly during hot , ironic weather . If the soil is dense or poorly drained , consider replanting in araised bedor rectify soil .
The Joy of Cosmos
grow cosmos is a rewarding experience that convey beauty and pleasure to your garden . Their vibrant salad days and easy - going nature make them a darling among nurseryman of all levels . By fall out thesesimple summit , you may successfully found andgrow cosmosand enjoy theircheerful presencein your garden for season to come .
Top Questions Asked
Q1 . How often should I irrigate cosmos?A : Water cosmos deeplyand infrequently , allowing the soil to dry out somewhat between tearing . During hot , ironic weather , water more frequently . Q2 . Do cosmos require fertilizer?A : Cosmos do notrequire lowering fertilization . Alight applicationof a balanced fertilizer once a calendar month during thegrowing seasonis sufficient . Q3 . How can Iprevent cosmosfrom becoming leggy?A : Ensure cosmos receiveat least 6 hours of sunlight per Clarence Day and avert over - fertilizing with N .