Mix Sensation Cosmos Seeds

Cosmos Bipinnatus
Regular price $6.99
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About

Mix Sensation Cosmos (Cosmos Bipinnatus) is a tall annual, native to Mexico and Central America, where it grows wild along roadsides in poor, dry soil. Sensation Mix Cosmos flowers reach 48-60 inches tall, have white, pink, and deep red daisy-like flowers and feathery, thread-like foliage. It's an annual in most climates (USDA Zones 2-11), but it self-sows so prolifically, that many gardeners treat it like a perennial. It blooms from midsummer to first frost — later than many annuals. Buy Cosmos seeds once, and you'll probably never need to order them again. 

Quick Facts

Life Cycle
Life Cycle Annual
USDA Zones
USDA Zones 03–10
Light Requirements
Light Requirements Full sun
Germination Time
Germination Time 10-20 days
Stratification
Stratification Not required
Spacing
Spacing 12-18 inches
Sowing Method
Sowing Method Direct Sow
Soil
Soil Well-drained
Flowering Period
Flowering Period Fall
Water Requirements
Water Requirements Low
Maturity Time
Maturity Time 70-90 days
Growing Habit
Growing Habit Upright

How to Grow & Harvest

Sowing & Timing

Surface sow the Cosmos seeds directly into the soil, but do not bury the seeds. Simply press the garden Cosmos seeds into the soil, keep the bed moist, and at a temperature range of 65-75 degrees, you should see some sprouts in 10-20 days. You can also sow the seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost in a seed tray without covering, as Cosmos Sensation Mix seeds need light to germinate. Direct sowing is honestly easier and gives you stronger plants, as Cosmos Sensation Mix does not like the roots disturbed. Thin to 12–18 inches apart once seedlings reach 3 inches.

Soil, Watering & Fertilization

Full sun is a strong requirement, not a wish. Give it less than 6 hours of sun and the plants become leggy, the blooming decreases significantly. Cosmos Bipinnatus seeds actually do best in poor, well-drained soil. Rich soil will produce foliage at the expense of blooms. Water deeply once a week. The most common mistake made when growing Cosmos Bipinnatus flowers is overwatering, as drought triggers blooming.

Growth & Harvest

Pinch the seedlings when they are 12 inches tall to promote branching. Skip this step and you'll get a tall stalk with a half-dozen flowers. Remove old flowers every few days, or pick them for vases to encourage new blooming. If plants are looking tired in the middle of the season, cut them back to 12 inches. New growth occurs in about four weeks. Windy spots may require a single bamboo stake per plant to support tall stalks.

FAQ

Are these Cosmos plant seeds non-GMO?

Yes. At KVITER we offer non-GMO heirloom Cosmos flowers seeds for sale. They are untreated and can be saved for future seasons. The plants you grow this year can provide seeds for next year's garden.

Are Cosmos flowers good for pollinators?

Yes. The open flowers are accessible for bees and butterflies to land on and feed from. In fact, Cosmos Bipinnatus is ranked as one of the top annuals for a pollinator garden, because it's flower shape is accessible to bees and butterflies.

Is Sensation Mix easy to grow for beginners?

It's one of the easiest annuals in our flower seed catalog. Bad soil, no watering once it's established, no deadheading necessary if you're not going to cut it for a vase. The only thing that can prevent successful germination is too deep planting, as the seeds need to be on the surface.

How long do Cosmos flowers last as cut flowers?

If you cut Cosmos flowers in the morning before they fully open, they will last 7-10 days. Change water every two days. Longer stems hold up better. Wait until Cosmos are mature before cutting.