Days to Maturity: 75
All-America Selections (AAS) Winner 1936
Sensation Mix Cosmos varieties, an heirloom blend, are late- and long-blooming warm weather annuals offering summer through fall interest, typically blooming up to first frost. Classic, colorful wildflowers, Sensation Mix Cosmos varieties bloom profusely in saucer-shaped, daisylike flowers with a yellow center surrounded by rays in shades from dark rose to pink to white. Borne on sturdy, erect stems, they make excellent cut flowers and attract butterflies.
Sensation Mix Cosmos varieties have a wispy upright habit of fine, feathery foliage in threadlike sections and a fast growth rate. Highly versatile, cosmos are great companion plants, well matched with dahlias, zinnias, and marigolds. The showy, colorful blooms are a popular choice for cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, children's gardens, and cutting gardens. Their tall, billowy form may require some support or shelter from strong winds.
Easy to grow from seed, low maintenance, and very hardy, cosmos seemingly thrive on neglect. They prefer 6 or more hours of full sun, warm temperatures, and average, evenly moist soil. Regular water is appreciated, but good drainage is important. They tolerate some dryness, most pH levels, and poor soil conditions. But soil that is too rich and fertile can cause leggy stems and sparse flowers. Deadheading spent blooms promotes continuous blooms and shearing back older plants to approximately 12 to 18 inches high encourages fresh growth and flowering. Deer tend to leave them alone.
Open pollinated, cosmos produce seed that will grow true to variety, ideal for seed saving. If allowed to go to seed, the spiky-brown seed heads will self-seed, so consider planting in a naturalized area or removing flowers before they go to seed.
Direct sow into warm soil. Barely cover the seed with soil and thin when the first true leaves appear. Seed can also be started indoors and transplanted when the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to 65 degrees. To avoid spindly plants, move transplants outdoors within a couple of weeks of germination.
If you plan to start your seeds indoors, be sure to check out our Bio Dome Seed Starter Kit. With the Bio Dome, you can control the temperature, light, and soil mix to ensure your seeds become strong for transplant.
