How to Grow Cosmos? Planting Methods and Care Tips

How to Grow Cosmos?

Sowing: 12-16°C is suitable for germination, direct sowing outdoors is possible, as is raising seedlings; cover seeds with soil about 2 times the seed diameter, seedlings emerge in 5-10 days; Planting: transplant seedlings once they have 5-6 true leaves, planting distance 30-50cm, the plant is robust, loves light and needs ventilation; it is not demanding about soil, but it cannot tolerate waterlogging, is not cold-hardy, and dislikes extreme heat. It tolerates poor, barren soil; Care: suitable for growth at 20-30°C. During the seedling stage it needs short-day treatment to flower normally; during the growing period, pinch out the growing tips to encourage branching and control excessive height to prevent lodging later on.

1. Soil

Because cosmos itself has good adaptability and a strong tolerance for cold and drought, and is not particular about soil, it can be grown in neutral to slightly acidic soil.

2. Sowing

The seeds need to be purchased from the market, and you should choose fully mature ones free of bacteria. The specific sowing time is in April, and you can scatter them directly on the soil surface. In about 7 to 10 days, they will sprout.

3. Transplanting

Once it grows true leaves, it can be transplanted. This is when it is about 5 cm long. If we want to keep it on a balcony, we need to use a fairly large flowerpot, and we need to pay attention to maintaining the spacing between plants. When it blooms, it will look especially beautiful.

4. Pinching

It grows especially fast, so it is best to pinch out the growing tips several times. This can increase its branching a little, produce more flower buds, and make the flowers look much better.

5. Care

In terms of care, first provide it with plenty of sunlight; as for watering, do not give too much, about once or twice a week, and a bit more in summer. Do not water too much each time; just moisten the soil slightly. Fertilizing does not need to be done often; basically giving it some ordinary fertilizer is fine, and when it has buds you can apply a bit more.