Cosmos Seeds,
Apricot Lemonade

Cosmos should be sown in place in mid-spring, as it prefers warm temperatures. In cooler climates, seeds can be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost and transplanted outdoors after hardening off. Cosmos blooms from midsummer until the first frost in fall. Check your local area's frost dates to plan planting. If you're not sure how to do that, give our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources' a read.

Direct sowing is the best method, as cosmos have a delicate root system. Sow seeds 1/8-1/4 inch deep in well-draining soil and gently press them down, as they need light to germinate. Space seeds about 10 inches apart prevent overcrowding. Keep the soil moist until germination, which typically takes 7-14 days. If starting indoors, use a light seed-starting mix and transplant carefully to avoid disturbing the roots.

Avoid overly rich soil, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Once established, cosmos are drought tolerant and require minimal watering. Overwatering can lead to weak stems and reduced blooms. Fertilization is generally unnecessary, but if you wish, you can sparingly use a low-nitrogen fertilizer. Staking is not essential but can benefit plants, helping to prevent the central stem from splitting from the weight of blooms.

• Cosmos are insect pollinated, and there may be some crossing between varieties in the garden. You can enjoy the mixing or use caging techniques and hand pollination to avoid crossing.
• Saving seeds from cosmos is easy: simply allow the heads to brown and dry on plants and collect seeds. Store in a cool, dry, dark place over winter.