Sensation Mix Cosmos Seeds

Originally native to the Southwestern USA and Mexico, Cosmos was first cultivated by Spanish priests in their ‘’mission gardens’’ and was brought to Europe in the early 1700s. This beautiful annual didn’t gain much popularity in Britain and in northern climates as the flowers didn’t always have time to bloom before the fall frosts. It was only in 1930 that the Cosmos Sensation Mix was introduced to the seed market with the advantage of needing only 55-60 days to bloom so it could finally be grown in northern gardens. It made such a sensation that it won the All-America Selection Award in 1936.

Sensation Mix is a colourful mix of daisy-like flowers that stand on top of long single stems with fern-like foliage. Very few plants grow as fast as Cosmos. Resistant to drought, poor soils, hot and humid conditions, Cosmos Sensation Mix is a forgiving, easy-to-care for plant that is quite easy to grow from seed. The vivid blooms reach 3-4 inches in diameter with a golden-yellow centre and the flowers range in hue from magenta to bright pink, white and crimson. A true pollinator magnet in the garden, Sensation mix is also adaptable to container gardening. Cosmos makes for lovely early summer bouquets and the petals are stunning as a garnish on salads and desserts.

- Latin Name: Cosmos bipinnatus
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Days to Maturity: 50-65
- Planting Depth: lightly press 4-5 seeds into soil
- Plant Spacing: 25-35 cm
- Growth Habit: 30-45 cm tall

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

These easy-to-grow annuals are a popular garden flower for many reasons. Daisy-like in appearance, cosmos bloom quickly, attract bees, butterflies and birds and bloom through the fall. Coming in a variety of appealing colours, the blooms freely flower on top of tall, thin stems.

Seeds can be started indoors four to six weeks before the last frost. Plant in flats or individual pots. Germination should occur in 7-21 days. When seedlings reach 10-12 cm, transplant to larger pots or get them ready to move outside. When all danger of frost has passed, young cosmos can be gradually hardened off to prepare for transplanting into the garden.

Prepare the garden bed by loosening the soil 20 cm deep. Seeds can be spaced to recommended distance, or sown freely and thinned as they sprout and grow. Cover seeds lightly with soil and water well. Choose a site that receives full sun 

Native to Mexico and Central America, cosmos will thrive in extreme heat with as much sunshine as possible. These heat-loving flowers prefer poor to ordinary soil, as long as it is well-drained. Planting in nutrient-rich soil could cause the plant to grow too much foliage instead of flowering, or they may get too tall and fall over. If this happens, stake tall plants or grow them close to each other for support.

When cosmos are established, they will only need to be watered if there are extreme drought conditions. If water supply is limited, cosmos will survive the longest without irrigation. Fertilizer is not recommended for cosmos. Feeding may lead to excessive foliage growth and stunted blooming. Cosmos are beautiful, yet durable, and very low-maintenance. They grow without much attention, will self-sow and don’t attract many problematic pests. If provided enough space in between plantings, proper airflow will help prevent diseases.

The only upkeep that cosmos really require is deadheading. This will prolong their blooming window and lead to more abundant flowering overall. If the plants seem to be getting out of control, they can be sheared back by about a third when most of the flowers have faded. This pruning will rejuvenate the plant and lead to a second growth of foliage and flowers. At the end of the season, cosmos can be cut to the ground or pulled out by the roots. Or, leave the plants in place if you’d like them to self seed. Cosmos usually bloom in 50-60 days and are perfect for cut flowers, adding elegance and colour to bouquets.  

QUICK FACTS

- The flower is named after the Greek word ‘’Cosmos,’’ meaning harmony or balanced universe.

- Cosmos seeds will remain viable for 2 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.