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Cut flowers7 varieties

Cosmos

Cosmos bipinnatus

Easy, branching annual with feathery foliage and prolific daisy-like flowers for cutting and pollinators.

Cosmos in the field

Days to maturity

75–90 days

Days to germ.

7–21 days

Spacing

4–12 in

Height

36–60 in

Sun

Sun

Vase life

5–7 days

How we grow it

Germination

Days to germ.
7–21 d
Soil temp
68–75 °F
Depth
0.125 in
Light for germ
light

Culture

Days to maturity
75–90 d
Spacing
4–12 in
Height
36–60 in
Sun
Sun
Frost
Tender; foliage will die back with first autumn frost · tender

Harvest

Cut stage
Petals just opening, but not yet flattened.
Vase life
5–7 d
Notes
Deadheading is required to have blooms all summer.

Timing · Zone 5a

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sow indoorsApr 2 – Apr 23
Outdoor / directMay 21 – Jun 18
Bloom (from indoor)May 21 – Jun 14
Bloom (from outdoor)Aug 2 – Sep 18

Windows are anchored to an average last frost of May 21 (1 year in 10 as early as Apr 29, as late as Jun 2) and an average first frost of Sep 18 (1 year in 10 as early as Sep 6, as late as Oct 8). In a late or early year, slide them with it.

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Trials

Every Cosmos sowingSeed sources, counts, ratings, and the observations kept against each one.Cosmos trials
Suits
  • PinchPinch at 6-9" to encourage branching.
  • Cut-and-Come-AgainWill bloom until frost if cut.
Not for
  • Succession

Varieties

7 varieties on record