Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
Cosmos is a fast, easygoing annual with daisy-like flowers and feathery foliage that blooms profusely all summer and attracts pollinators.
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Drought-tolerant; water occasionally
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Cosmos is a cheerful, sun-loving annual native to Mexico, beloved for its long blooming season and effortless care. It thrives in poor soil and tolerates drought, making it a favorite for casual cottage gardens.
The airy, fern-like foliage carries open, daisy-shaped flowers on tall slender stems. It self-seeds freely, often returning year after year.
How to identify it
Easy to spot by its lacy leaves and simple open blooms on wiry stems.
- Flowers: single or semi-double, 5-8 cm wide, with a yellow center disk and broad petals in white, pink, or crimson
- Leaves: finely divided, thread-like, bright green
- Stems: tall (60-150 cm), slender, often needing support
- Habit: upright, airy, self-seeding annual
Care & growing
Cosmos performs best when not pampered.
- Light: full sun is essential for strong blooming
- Water: drought-tolerant once established; water during long dry spells
- Soil: average to poor, well-drained; rich soil produces foliage over flowers
- Feeding: little to none needed
- Propagation: sow seed directly after frost; deadhead to prolong bloom
Habitat & origin
Native to scrubland and meadows of Mexico and the southern United States, where it grows in warm, sunny, well-drained sites.
It has naturalized widely and is grown as an annual across temperate and tropical gardens worldwide for its reliability and long flowering period.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my cosmos tall and leafy with few flowers?
The soil is likely too rich. Cosmos blooms best in lean soil with no extra fertilizer.
Do cosmos come back every year?
They are annuals, but they self-seed readily and often reappear the following season.
When should I plant cosmos seeds?
Sow directly outdoors after the last frost once soil has warmed; they germinate quickly.
Should I deadhead cosmos?
Yes, removing spent blooms encourages continuous flowering through summer and fall.
Cosmos guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Cosmos.
