Orange Cosmos Cosmos sulphureus

Klondike Cosmos has golden-yellow or orange flowers and can grow up to 6 feet. The ‘Cosmic’ series will give you lots of 2-inch double and semi-double bright, non-fading blooms in shades of orange, red, and yellow, and will get 12 to 18 inches tall on well-branched plants.

Plant cosmos in a location that receives at least a half-day of direct sunlight. Sow the seeds outdoors after the danger of frost is past and when the soil has warmed to at least 65 degrees. Rake seeds into a loose soil; planting seeds too deeply will hinder germination. Keep the soil moist for 5 to 10 days after seeding. Seeds will germinate in 7 to 21 days. Cosmos needs only basic care to provide an abundance of colorful blooms all summer. Taller varieties may need staking if subjected to high winds and frequent storms.

When the spring-planted cosmos appears to have an abundance of dried seed, do not remove the plants. Encourage re-bloom by cutting the plants back to 12 to 18 inches high. They will be back in bloom in a month and the seed that is cut off will fall to the ground, germinate in the hot soil, and increase the density of your plant population and the eventual bloom display.

Family name Asteraceae (Compositae)

Quick ID Hints:

• dimorphic involucral bracts in two rows
• opposite, pinnatifid leaves
• small heads 1-2" with orange ray flowers

Blooms summer till frost. Full sun; tolerant dry, porous soils; fast-growing; diseases - bacterial wilt, canker; pests - aphids, Japanese beetles. 

Uses: bedding plant in background, cut flowers. Will reseed in the growing season and can become weedy.

More information on Cosmos.