Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
An upright, herbaceous plant featuring finely divided, feathery, thread-like green foliage arranged along slender stems.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Water
- Moderate watering when young; highly drought-tolerant once mature. Allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
- Growth
- Herbaceous annual with an upright, branching habit, reaching heights of 2 to 5 feet and a spread of 1 to 2 feet with a fast growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide full sun and well-draining soil. Water regularly until established, then reduce as it shows good drought tolerance. Fertilization is generally not necessary, as overly rich soil promotes excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily
Watering
Moderate watering when young; highly drought-tolerant once mature. Allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
Soil
Prefers average to poor, well-draining soil with a neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Hardiness zone
Typically grown as an annual in zones 2 through 11
Growth habit
Herbaceous annual with an upright, branching habit, reaching heights of 2 to 5 feet and a spread of 1 to 2 feet with a fast growth rate.
Bloom season
Blooms from mid-summer through the first autumn frost, producing daisy-like flower heads in shades of pink, white, red, and purple.
Propagation
Easily propagated from seeds sown directly into the ground after the last spring frost.
Common pests & issues
Generally trouble-free, but susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions and occasionally bothered by aphids or spider mites.
Similar species
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) shares similar feathery foliage, but can be distinguished by its distinct aromatic scent and membership in the Apiaceae family.