Daydream Cosmos Seeds
Daydream Cosmos Seeds
These soft, ethereal blooms blush pink towards the center and attract fluttering butterflies. An effortless annual, they elevate gardens or brighten vases. Explore more cosmos seeds to enhance your garden! With Mexican roots, these resilient annuals thrive in hot, dry conditions.
Discovered by Spanish explorers seeking gold in Mexico, they earned the name "cosmos" for their orderly petals. Introduced to England in the 18th century and later to the US, these natives flourish in any zone and readily self-seed, ideal for wildflower meadows. Kids will delight in planting and watching these cosmos seeds grow, reaching heights of 91-121 cm, blooming best in summer/fall.
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How To Grow
How To Grow
Sowing: Scatter Daydream Cosmos seeds over loose soil in early spring or after the last frost. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which typically occurs within 10-20 days at soil temperatures ranging from 18-24 degrees Celsius. Cooler soil temperatures may delay germination. Seedlings don't require thinning but can be transplanted if overcrowded. These seeds germinate quickly in warm soil, so they can be sown any time before midsummer for another round of blooms. For indoor starting, sow seeds on the surface of a flat 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost. Maintain even moisture and temperatures of 21-24 degrees Celsius until germination. Transplant outdoors when frost risk is gone.
Growing: Water regularly until plants bloom; they become drought tolerant at this point. Avoid over-watering; they thrive in heat and drought but benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged drought. To encourage new growth and more blossoms, trim back to 30 centimeters if blooming slows; expect new blossoms in about 4 weeks. Tall plants may need support or staking. If left to self-seed, they'll produce new blooms next year, attracting birds, butterflies, and bees.
Harvesting
Harvesting
Harvesting: Cosmos flowers are ideal for long-lasting cut arrangements. Snip stems with freshly opened blossoms, removing lower foliage to keep the water clean. Expect them to stay vibrant for 7-10 days. They also retain their charm when dried.
Seed Saving
Seed Saving
Seed Preservation: Once the flowers shed their petals, watch as they form spiky seed heads. When these heads turn brown or dark brown and can be easily crumbled, they're ripe. Collect the mature seed heads, dry them away from direct sunlight, and then break them apart to release the slender, pointed seeds. Store the purified Daydream Cosmos seeds in a cool, dry spot.
Extra Facts
Extra Facts
Daydream Cosmos Seeds
Latin Name: Cosmos bipinnatus
Species Origin: Mexico
Type: Annual
Life Cycle: Annual
USDA Zones: 2-11
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 91-121 cm
Color: Various (typically shades of pink, white, and purple)
Blooming Season: Summer to Fall
Uses: Ornamental gardens, cut flowers