Cosmea is a popular annual which is easily recognized by its slender shape, delicate ferny foliage and large flowers which look like single Dahlias. Grow it in pots or flower beds for cutting or for a summer-long display outdoors. Stake tall varieties and remove dead blooms to prolong the flowering season.
VARIETIES: Most garden Cosmeas are varieties of C. bipin-natus. The usual choice is ‘Sensation Mixed’ – 3 ft tall with white, pink or red flowers. The red-and-white patterned ‘Candy Stripe’ is more eye-catching. The varieties of C. sulphureus have bright flowers and wider leaves. Choose from ‘Sunset’ (3 ft, orange, semi-double), ‘Klondyke’ (2 ft, orange double) or the new dwarf ‘Sunny Gold’ (1 ft, orange, double).
SITE & SOIL: Any well-drained garden soil, but light or medium land is preferred. Choose a sunny spot.
PLANT DETAILS: Height 1 – 3 ft. Spacing 1 ½ ft. Flowering period July – October.
PROPAGATION: Follow the Half Hardy Annual technique. In mild districts sow seeds outdoors in May.
