Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
Cosmos make a brilliant addition to a cutting garden, providing both foliage and flowers over a long season. They also bring colour to borders and provide nectar for bees – particularly later in the season when foraging options can be more limited. The plants need protection early in the year – they can go out in the garden after the last frost and will thrive in full sun and good soil.
Sow Best sown indoors into modules or small pots in March/April. Alternatively, you can direct sow where they are to flower in May/June. Pot up indoor sown plants as they grow, harden off and plant out after the last frost. Choose a spot in full sun with good soil for strong, healthy plants.
Grow Keep picking and/or deadheading to encourage more flowers and they will provide you with flowery colour right through to the first frost. Keep plants well-watered in dry weather.
Uses Grow in borders and cut flower patches. Smaller varieties, like ‘Lemonade’ and the Sonata Dwarf series, can be grown in large pots.