Agastache Seeds Ageratum Seeds Amaranth Seeds Armeria Maritima Seeds Artichoke Seeds Arugula Seeds Asparagus Seeds Aster Seeds
Baby's Breath Seeds (Covent Garden) Bachelor's Button Seeds Balloon Flower Seeds Banana Plants Barley Seeds Basil Plants Basil Seeds Basketflower Seeds Bean Seeds Bean Seeds, Common Bean Seeds, Fava Bean Seeds, Garbanzo Bean Seeds, Hyacinth Bean Seeds, Lima Bean Seeds, Long Bean Seeds, Runner Bean Seeds, Soy Bean Seeds, Winged Bee Balm Seeds Beet Seeds Bellflower Plants Bells Of Ireland Seeds Bitter Melon Seeds Blackberry Plants Blueberry Plants Bok Choy / Tatsoi Seeds Books and Catalogs Borage Seeds Boysenberry Plants Broccoli Seeds Brussels Sprouts Seeds Buckwheat Seeds Bulbs Burdock Seeds Butterfly Pea Seeds
Cabbage Seeds Calendula Seeds Canterbury Bells Seeds Carrot Seeds Catalog Cauliflower Seeds Celery Seeds Celosia & Cockscomb Seeds Chamomile Seeds Chervil Seeds Chinese Cabbage Seeds Chive Seeds Cilantro / Coriander Seeds Citrus Plants Clothing and Swag Clover Seeds Coleus Seeds Collard Seeds Collections Columbine Seeds Comfrey Plants Coreopsis Seeds Corn Salad Seeds Corn Seeds Cosmos Seeds Cowpea Seeds Craspedia Seeds Crocus Bulbs Cucumber Seeds
Daffodil Bulbs Dahlia Seeds Daisy Seeds Dandelion Seeds Dianthus Seeds Dill Seeds Dock or Sorrel Seeds Dragon Fruit Plants
Echinacea Seeds Eggplant Seeds Elderberry Plants Elecampane Seeds Endive Seeds
Fall Favorites Fennel Seeds Fenugreek Seeds Fertilizer Festivals and Tickets Fig Plants Flower Seeds Forget-Me-Not Seeds
Gaillardia Seeds Garlic Bulbs Gift Certificates Gifts and Supplies Ginger Plants Goji Berry Seeds Gomphrena Seeds Goth Garden Gourd Seeds Grass Plants Grass Seeds Ground Cherry Seeds
Herb Seeds Hibiscus Plants Holiday Gift Collection Hollyhock Seeds Honeywort Seeds Horehound Seeds Huckleberry Seeds Hyacinth Bulbs
Iceplant Seeds
Jelly Melon Seeds Jewels of Opar Seeds Job's Tears Seeds Joseph's Coat Plants
Kale Seeds King of Bitters Seeds Kohlrabi Seeds
Lace Flower Seeds Lavender Seeds Leek Seeds Lemon Balm Seeds Lemongrass Seeds Lettuce Seeds Litchi Tomato Seeds Lovage Seeds Love-in-a-Mist Seeds
Marigold Seeds Marshmallow Seeds Marvel of Peru or Four O'Clock Seeds Melon Seeds Milkweed Seeds Mint Plants Mint Seeds Mizuna Seeds Molokhia Seeds Moonflower Seeds Moringa Seeds Morning Glory Seeds Mullein Seeds Mustard Seeds
Nasturtium Seeds Nicotiana Seeds
Okra Seeds Onion Bulbs Onion Seeds Online Seed Catalog Oregano Seeds Oyster Leaf Seeds
Pansy / Viola Seeds Papalo Seeds Papaya Plants Parsley Seeds Parsnip Seeds Passion Fruit Plants Pea Seeds Peanut Seeds Pepper Seeds Pepper Seeds, Hot Pepper Seeds, Sweet Petunia Seeds Phlox Seeds Pitcher Plant Rhizomes Pitcher Plant Seeds Plants Plants and Seeds Pomegranate Plants Poppy Seeds Portulaca / Moss Rose Seeds Potatoes Primrose Seeds Ptilotus Seeds Purslane Seeds
Quinoa Seeds
Radicchio Seeds Radish Seeds Raspberry Plants Returning Seeds Rhubarb Seeds Rosemary Plants Rosemary Seeds Rudbeckia Seeds Rutabaga Seeds
Safflower Seeds Saint John's Wort Seeds Salpiglossis Seeds Salvia Plants Salvia and Sage Seeds Savory Seeds Scabiosa Seeds Snail Vine Seeds Snake Bean Seeds Snapdragon Seeds Sorghum Seeds Sourdough Starter Spinach Plants Spinach Seeds Squash Seeds Squash Seeds, Summer Squash Seeds, Winter Stevia Seeds Stock Seeds Strawberry Plants Strawberry Seeds Strawflower Seeds Sunflower Seeds Sweet Pea Seeds Sweet Potato Plants Swiss Chard Seeds
Tamarillo Seeds, Dwarf Thyme Seeds Tomatillo Seeds Tomato Seeds Tomato Seeds, Blue & Purple Tomato Seeds, Cherry & Grape Tomato Seeds, Green Tomato Seeds, Orange Tomato Seeds, Pink & Red Tomato Seeds, Striped Tomato Seeds, White & Yellow Tong Ho Seeds Tools Toothache Plant Seeds Tulip Bulbs Turmeric Plants Turnip Seeds
Vegetable Seeds Vinca Seeds
Watercress Seeds Watermelon Seeds Wax Melon Seeds Wheat Seeds
Yarrow Seeds
Zinnia Seeds
Cosmos Seeds, Bright Lights
Description
(Cosmos sulphureus). Brilliant flowers in shades of orange, yellow, and flame red. The plants are early to bloom and produce profusely. Colorful and easy to grow. This heat-loving annual grows 2-3 feet tall with bushy, fern-like foliage and daisy-like blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
- Annual
- 60-90 days to maturity
- 6-8 hours of full sun
- Sprouts in 7-14 days
- Seed Depth: 1/8-1/4"
- Plant Spacing: 10"
- Ideal Temperature: 70-75 F
- Frost Hardy: No
Growing Tips, Tricks and FAQs
Growing Tips
Bright Lights is an heirloom cosmos variety that thrives in poor to moderate soil, full sun, and hot conditions. This makes it an easy, low-maintenance choice for flower beds, borders, and wildflower meadows. Keep flowers deadheaded to encourage a longer blooming period from midsummer until the first frost.
When to Grow
Plant Bright Lights cosmos after the last frost, when soil temperatures reach at least 60 F. In cooler climates, seeds can also be started indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost and transplanted once the weather has warmed. In warmer regions, cosmos can be grown nearly year-round. Blooms typically appear 60-90 days after sowing and last until the first frost. To find the best planting time, check the last frost date for your area. Learn more about frost dates by checking out our blog post, ‘Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.’
How to Sow and Plant
Sow seeds directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Lightly press the seeds into the soil at a depth of 1/8-1/4 inch, but do not cover them heavily, as they need light to germinate. Space plants about 10 inches apart for good airflow. Keep the soil evenly moist during germination. If starting indoors, choose a light, well-draining seed-starting mix. Transplant seedlings outdoors only after the risk of frost has passed, being careful not to disturb the roots.
How to Grow
Avoid excessive fertilization, as it encourages leaf growth at the expense of flowers. Once established, cosmos are drought tolerant and need minimal watering. Taller plants may need staking in windy areas. Keep plants deadheaded to prolong blooming. If plants become too tall or leggy, trim them back by one-third for bushier growth.
How to Save
- 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.
FAQ
Can Bright Lights cosmos tolerate poor soil?
Yes, cosmos actually thrive in average to poor soil and do not need heavy fertilization.
Do I need to deadhead Bright Lights cosmos?
Yes, regular deadheading (removing spent flowers) encourages continuous blooming all throughout the season.
Can I grow Bright Lights cosmos in containers?
Yes, they can be grown in large containers, but they need deep pots with well-draining soil and may require support with stakes.
-
Was this review helpful?
Response from store
Similar Products
Checkout using your account
Checkout as a new customer
Creating an account has many benefits:
- See order and shipping status
- Track order history
- Check out faster