Cosmos, with their cheerful faces and airy grace, are beloved additions to any summer garden. But did you know this vibrant flower family boasts a diverse cast of characters, each offering unique charm and personality to your cut flower arrangements? From classic single blooms to mesmerizing doubles, and a spectrum of colors that rivals a summer sunset, here are five of the best cosmos varieties to elevate your cutting patch and transform your home into a floral haven:
1. The Unwavering Charmer: ‘Sensation’ Cosmos
Standing tall at 3-4 feet, ‘Sensation’ cosmos is a reliable bloomer, showering your garden with a delightful mix of single blooms in shades of pink, crimson, lavender, and white. These 2-3 inch flowers boast a central disc ringed by delicate, daisy-like petals, adding a touch of whimsical elegance to bouquets.
What makes it special?
- Long bloom time: ‘Sensation’ cosmos blooms tirelessly from early summer until the first frost, ensuring a continuous supply of vibrant blooms for your arrangements.
- Low maintenance: This undemanding variety thrives in neglect, making it perfect for busy gardeners or those new to the world of cut flowers.
- Excellent vase life: Cut stems when the first few petals unfurl, and enjoy their cheerful presence in your home for up to 7 days.
2. The Dazzling Duo: ‘Double Click’ Cosmos
For a touch of captivating fullness, look no further than the ‘Double Click’ cosmos series. These mesmerizing blooms boast layers upon layers of ruffled petals, creating a captivating, pom-pom-like effect. Available in a range of captivating colors like cranberry, bicolour violet, and snow puff, ‘Double Click’ cosmos adds a touch of playful whimsy to any arrangement.
What makes it special?
- Double the charm: The double blooms offer a unique textural element to bouquets, contrasting beautifully with single-flowered varieties.
- Color options: With a range of vibrant hues to choose from, ‘Double Click’ cosmos allows you to personalize your arrangements and tailor them to any occasion.
- Strong stems: The sturdy stems hold the blooms upright beautifully, minimizing the need for additional support in the vase.
3. The Pastel Dream: ‘Apricot Lemonade’ Cosmos
If you crave a touch of soft romance in your garden, ‘Apricot Lemonade’ cosmos is the answer. This captivating variety unfolds delicate, single blooms in a mesmerizing blend of pastel apricot and blush pink. The gentle color palette evokes feelings of springtime and adds a touch of sophistication to any arrangement.
What makes it special?
- Unique color: The soft, pastel shades of ‘Apricot Lemonade’ cosmos set it apart from other varieties, offering a touch of elegance and refinement.
- Early bloomer: This variety gets a head start on the season, often blooming earlier than other cosmos, extending your cutting season.
- Fragrant blooms: Unlike most cosmos varieties, ‘Apricot Lemonade’ releases a subtle, sweet fragrance, adding another dimension of sensory delight to your bouquets.
4. The Sun-Kissed Beauty: ‘Xanthos’ Cosmos
Craving a touch of sunshine in your garden? Look no further than ‘Xanthos’ cosmos, the first commercially available yellow cosmos variety. This award-winning cultivar boasts cheerful, single blooms in a vibrant shade of buttercup yellow, adding a touch of warmth and cheer to any arrangement.
What makes it special?
- Unique color: The sunshine-like yellow blooms of ‘Xanthos’ cosmos offer a welcome departure from the typical pink and white shades, adding a pop of unexpected color to your bouquets.
- Attracts pollinators: The bright yellow blooms are irresistible to butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, making it a great choice for an eco-friendly garden.
- Compact size: Growing at a manageable height of 2-3 feet, ‘Xanthos’ cosmos is perfect for smaller gardens or container plantings.
5. The Enchanting Enchantment: ‘Cosmos Sulphureus’`
For a touch of drama and intrigue, look no further than ‘Cosmos Sulphureus’. This captivating variety boasts single blooms in a fiery range of orange, red, and yellow shades, with dark, chocolate-colored centers that add depth and mystery to the blooms. Unlike its taller cousins, ‘Cosmos Sulphureus’ maintains a compact and bushy form, making it ideal for edging borders or filling containers.
What makes it special?
- Unique color palette: The fiery shades of orange, red, and yellow set ‘Cosmos Sulphureus’ apart, adding a bold and dramatic statement to your arrangements.
- Compact size: This low-growing variety is perfect for smaller gardens or adding pops of color to containers
Planting and Tending Your Cosmos Beauties: A Guide to Success
Now that you’ve discovered your favorite cosmos varieties, it’s time to bring them to life in your garden! Here’s a quick guide to planting and caring for your cosmos, ensuring a bountiful harvest of blooms throughout the summer:
Planting:
- Timing: Cosmos thrive in warm weather, so wait until the danger of frost has passed before sowing seeds directly outdoors. This is typically around late spring or early summer, depending on your local climate.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Cosmos are not fussy about soil quality but do best in slightly sandy or loamy soil.
- Sowing: Sow seeds directly into the ground, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart. You can also start seeds indoors a few weeks before the last frost and transplant them outdoors once the seedlings are established.
- Watering: Water your cosmos regularly, especially during their first few weeks of growth. However, avoid overwatering, as they are susceptible to root rot.
Care:
- Deadheading: Regularly deadhead your cosmos by removing spent blooms. This encourages them to produce more flowers throughout the season. Simply pinch off the flower head just below the faded petals.
- Fertilizing: Cosmos are not heavy feeders and generally don’t require additional fertilizer. However, if your plants appear pale or stunted, you can give them a light feeding of a balanced fertilizer once a month.
- Supporting: Taller varieties of cosmos may benefit from staking, especially if grown in windy locations. Use bamboo stakes or tomato cages to provide support for the stems.
Harvesting:
The time to harvest your cosmos blooms depends on your desired level of openness. For a longer vase life, cut the stems when the first few petals just begin to unfurl. However, if you prefer a more open bloom, wait until several petals have opened. Use sharp shears or pruners to cut the stems at an angle just below a node (the bump where a leaf meets the stem).
Bringing the Magic Indoors:
Once you’ve harvested your cosmos blooms, bring their vibrant charm indoors to brighten your home. Here are some tips for ensuring long-lasting beauty in your arrangements:
- Condition the stems: Before placing your cosmos blooms in the vase, give them a fresh cut and place them in a deep container of cool water for several hours. This helps them rehydrate and prevents wilting.
- Choose the right vase: Select a vase that is proportionate to the size of your blooms. Taller varieties may require a taller vase for proper support.
- Change the water regularly: Every few days, replace the water in the vase with fresh, cool water. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria and keeps your blooms looking fresh.