How to Grow
Cosmos- Facts, Benefits, How to Grow and Take Care
Who doesn’t like flowers? It is perhaps the most inexpensive way to boost your mood, enhance happiness in your life, and gift someone.
Do you know that there is a flower whose literal meaning is “universe”?
That amazing flower is none other than the cosmos. The prime highlight of this flower is that it has a symmetrical petal arrangement.
This vibrant and playful flower is a treat to the eyes and soul.
And what’s the best thing about the cosmos? Well, the cosmos is a low-maintenance flowering plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
We will discuss growing techniques and many more things about the cosmos. We will cover the following: -
- Facts about cosmos
- Different varieties of cosmos flowers
- Benefits of growing cosmos flower
- How to grow cosmos flower
- How to take care of cosmos flower
Facts about cosmos
Here are some fun facts about the cosmos that will make you appreciate this vibrant beauty even more!
- The name "Cosmos" comes from the Greek word "kosmos," which means "order" or "world." It's fitting, as the uniformity of the flower's shape and the symmetry of its petals are indeed a testament to the beauty of order.
- In Mexico, the indigenous Aztecs used the dried petals of the cosmos flower to make medicinal tea.
- Cosmos originally came from Mexico and South America, but they have spread worldwide and are prevalent in gardens everywhere.
- Cosmos come in various colors like pink, purple, red, orange, and white. But did you know that the color of the petals can change based on the temperature? In cool weather, the petals may appear whiter, while in warm weather, they may appear more pink or red.
- Cosmos are a big hit with butterflies because they are a great source of nectar, and their delicate petals make for an easy landing pad.
- Cosmos are part of the sunflower family and are related to other popular flowers, such as daisies and zinnias.
- Cosmos are known for their ability to self-sow, meaning they can reseed themselves year after year.
Different varieties of cosmos flower
Cosmos is a beautiful and vibrant flower that comes in various colors and sizes, making it a popular choice for gardens and bouquets. Here are some of the most popular varieties of cosmos that you might encounter:
Cosmos bipinnatus:
This is one of the most common types of cosmos and is also known as the "garden cosmos." It has delicate, fern-like leaves and shades of pink, orange, yellow, and white.
Cosmos sulphureus:
This type of cosmos is often called the "sulphur cosmos" and is known for its bright yellow flowers. It's an excellent choice for adding a pop of color to any garden.
Cosmos atrosanguineus:
The "chocolate cosmos" is a unique variety of cosmos with deep, dark red flowers that resemble chocolate. It's a rare find but worth seeking out for its rich color.
Cosmos bipinnatus' Sea Shells':
This variety of garden cosmos has stunning, ruffled petals that resemble seashells. It comes in pastel colors like pink and lavender.
Benefits of growing the cosmos flower
Cosmos, also known as the Mexican aster, is a beautiful and low-maintenance flower that brings a pop of color to any garden. And did you know that there are many benefits to growing the cosmos? Read below and know about the benefits of growing cosmos flowers at home: -
Easy to grow
Cosmos are straightforward to develop and maintain, making them perfect for beginner gardeners. They can be grown in various soil types and tolerate different climatic conditions.
Attract pollinators
Cosmos are a popular choice among gardeners because they attract a variety of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This quality makes your garden look more beautiful and helps support the local ecosystem.
Saves water
If you live in a dry climate or forget to water your plants, the Cosmos might be the flower for you! They are drought-tolerant and can survive long periods without water. So, you will save precious water too.
Versatile
There are many different varieties of cosmos, each with its own unique colors and sizes. It means you can mix and match to create a colorful and diverse garden that suits your taste.
Improve decor
The cosmos are perfect if you love bringing flowers inside to brighten your home, They make beautiful cut flowers in a vase for a long time, improving your home's décor.
Low-cost gardening
Cosmos are inexpensive to purchase and grow, making them an excellent choice for those on a tight budget. You can buy seeds or seedlings, and before you know it, you'll have a garden full of beautiful blooms.
Easy to propagate
If you have a large garden or are looking to share your love of the cosmos with others, then you'll be happy to know that they are easy to propagate. Take cuttings and plant them in the soil; you'll have new plants before you know it!
How to grow cosmos flower at home
Growing Cosmos from Seeds
Choose the right location
Cosmos prefer full sun but can tolerate some light shade. They also need well-drained soil.
Get your timing right
- Start your seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Alternatively, you can direct sow seeds outdoors after the last frost.
- Sow your seeds about ¼ inch deep and 12-18 inches apart, then cover them with soil. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 7-14 days.
Transplant
When the seedlings have grown their first true leaves, transplant them into larger pots or your garden.
Growing Cosmos from Cuttings
Choose healthy parent plants
Choose a healthy and robust plant to take cuttings from. It should have solid stems and well-developed leaves.
Take cuttings
Using a sharp and clean pair of scissors or pruning shears, take 4-6 inch cuttings from the parent plant. Make sure each cutting has at least two sets of leaves.
Prepare the cuttings
Remove the lower leaves from the cuttings and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. It will encourage root growth.
Plant the cuttings
Plant the cuttings in well-drained soil, ensuring the leaves are above the soil line. Water the cuttings well and cover them with plastic to create a mini greenhouse.
Monitor the cuttings
Keep the cuttings in a warm and bright place but out of direct sunlight. Make sure to keep the soil moist and mist the cuttings regularly to prevent them from drying out.
Transplant
Once the cuttings have rooted and have developed new growth, transplant them into larger pots or your garden.
How to take care of cosmos flower
Taking care of the cosmos flowering plant is an easy task. Just follow the instructions given below: -
Soil
Cosmos grow best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy and clay-like, consider adding compost or peat moss to improve its texture. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 6.7, slightly acidic to neutral.
Sunlight
Cosmos need at least 6 hours of sunlight each day, but they can handle more. If you're planting cosmos in a partially shaded area, choose a spot where they'll receive morning sunlight and some dappled shade in the afternoon.
Location
When choosing a spot for your cosmos, consider the size of the mature plant. Some varieties of cosmos can reach up to 5 feet tall, so make sure to give them enough space to grow. They also look great in groups, so consider planting several together for a more dramatic display.
Fertilizer
Cosmos are not heavy feeders, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer will help encourage healthy growth. Fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season, but stop fertilizing when the flowers start to fade.
Water
Cosmos prefer to be kept evenly moist, but they don't like being waterlogged. Water your plants deeply, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Ensure the water is at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases.
Temperature
To guarantee successful germination, keep the soil temperature above 20 degrees Celsius. For a healthy Cosmos plant, the temperature should be between 13 and 16 degrees Celsius.
Pruning
Cosmos will continue to bloom throughout the growing season if you remove the spent flowers regularly. Deadheading, as it is known, will help keep your plants looking neat and encourage more blooms to form.
Mulching
Mulching your Cosmos will help keep the soil cool and moist and suppress weed growth. Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant, being careful not to let the mulch touch the stems.
With patience and care, you'll soon have a beautiful, vibrant garden filled with colorful cosmos flowers.
Growing cosmos flowers is a beautiful and fun way to add color and life to your garden. With its easy maintenance, versatility, and ability to attract pollinators, it's no wonder the Cosmos is a popular choice among gardeners. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or just starting, the beauty and benefits of the cosmos make it an ideal choice for your next gardening project. So why wait? Grab your seeds, get your hands dirty, and enjoy the magic of the cosmos in full bloom!
FAQs related to the Cosmos flower
What is the best time to plant Cosmos flowers?
You can plant the Cosmos in the spring or summer.
Do Cosmos Flowers have a fragrance?
No, Cosmos Flowers do not have a fragrance. They are grown for their attractive appearance, not their scent.
How to use Cosmos flowers in gardening?
Cosmos are great for flower arrangements and borders, and as a filler in mixed flower beds.
How to preserve Cosmos flowers for decoration?
Cut flowers can be dried for long-lasting decoration or preserved by pressing.
Can Cosmos flowers be used for medicinal purposes?
Some species of cosmos are helpful for medicinal purposes, such as treating skin conditions and digestive problems. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using plants for medicinal purposes.
