Cosmea (Cosmos bipinnatus)

Cosmos bipinnatus (Cosmea) is a plant that has very thin leaves and very branched stems, which gives it a delicate and unusual appearance.
Despite this, it is a resistant plant and depending on the cultivation conditions and the cultivated variety, it can reach more than 2 m in height, although it usually reaches 30 cm to 1 m.
Cosmea flowers which are 5 to 10 cm in diameter may be pink, red, violet or white and intermediate tones.

Plant profile

Cosmea displays well when planted in groups and can form massifs in the garden, or it can be grown near walls and fences. Dwarf cultivars can be easily grown in pots.

Origin

North America (Mexico and southern United States).

Climate

It is a hot climate plant, and does not withstand low temperatures and frosts.

Sunlight

Plant cosmos in direct sunlight.

Watering

Keep the soil moist, but it is a plant relatively resistant to short periods of drought. Do not let the soil get soaked.

Soil

It is very tolerant to different soils as long as it is well-drained. Plant in a moderately fertile soil, with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
It can grow well even in relatively poor soils and is a great plant for drought conditions. On the other hand, in very fertile soils, these plants grow a lot, but produce relatively few flowers.

Flowering season

If sown in late spring they will bloom in summer an autumn. The flowers start to appear approximately two months after germination.

Cultivation cycle

They are annual plants.

Propagation

Propagate cosmea by seed, which are normally sown in late spring the final location, at a depth of up to 0.5 cm in the soil. Seed germination usually occurs within a week or two.