Spanish priests in Mexico, during the time of conquistadors and Catholic rule over native populations, were lured by these humble flowers.
They named them after their own word for harmony or ordered universe – “cosmos.” A riotous explosion of color they bring to any home landscape is a representation of chaos; yet what one might describe as chaotic beauty comes from orderly petals that are evenly placed upon slender stems.
You will find this flower blooming in the springtime, but it can be found year-round. The plant’s petals are spaced beautifully around a yellow central disk of sorts and come in various colors such as pink, red, white or lavender!
Growing Conditions
These plants belong to the huge Asteraceae family, and are cousins of daisy and marigold. Of the 20 or so species of cosmos genus, two are most commonly grown in home gardens: C. sulphureus (sulphur and yellow cosmos) which is native only to Mexico;
Central America, Northern South America – though it has naturalized everywhere else as well including North Africa – Western Asia – India etc.;
And C. bipinnatus (common/garden), also from Mexico but found all over now due to its popularity for being a very hardy plant that tolerates many temperature extremes with an ability not seen by other members of this large family).
These pretty flowers are a troublesome weed to deal with. They grow like weeds and spread all over the place, but they can be easily eradicated by cutting off their blossoms before they go to seed!
In order for these plants to thrive you’ll need hot dry weather or average soil conditions in your garden.
In most parts of the United States, this plant is considered an annual. However gardeners in zones 9 and 10 may find them to be perennial!
These plants are great for a late-summer or early fall garden. They provide bright, beautiful flowers in the cooler months when other colors may be scarce and add stunning contrast to an otherwise drab landscape.
If you’re new to gardening, consider buying some of these plants. They grow quickly and are great for children’s gardens!
Recommend Cultivars
For the best variety, try this packet of 500 seeds from Mountain Valley Seed Co. These are a mix between C. sulphureus and other cultivars that result in brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows!
The perfect addition to any yard, these plants will reach about 12 inches tall and produce semi-double 2-3 inch flowers that bloom throughout the season.
Or, choose classic cosmos in a rainbow of colors available via Amazon for an extra special touch!
You’ll get a mix of 10 open-pollinated varieties that grow from 45 to 54 inches tall. Plant these seeds and watch them flourish!
Care and Maintenance
This flower is the perfect choice for people who hate to take care of plants. It can thrive in sandy, well-drained soil that has a pH between 6 and 8.5 without any fertilization or water maintenance at all!
The best way to grow these flowers is by sowing them outdoors 1/16 inches deep when it’s about six weeks before your last frost date, but you could also plant indoors five to six weeks before then too.
These plants are surprisingly sturdy and a good choice if you have limited space. Plant them in masses to make the most of their ability to get along together which will also help prevent floppiness.
They flower best when they’re given full sun so position your tall varieties towards the back of borders for maximum effect or use as central focal points while placing smaller ones throughout mixed beds with other flowers that need more water.
When planting in containers and planters, remember that using dwarf varieties is key.
Full sized plants will crowd out the other plants as well as dominate all of the soil available.
Deadheading spent flowers to encourage more blooms can help provide some interest early on but leave a few behind for winter visitors who love seeds!
Pests and Diseases
One of the most common ways to prevent Asteraceae plants from getting aster yellows is by using diatomaceous earth or insecticidal soap.
These products are used to kill aphids and thrips that spread bacterial diseases in these types of flora; if they do not work, pulling and destroying infected plants must be done as a last resort because once it’s contracted there is no cure for this disease yet.
A Little Order, A Lot of Beauty
If you’ve never grown a sunflower, this year is the time to start. These easy-care plants thrive on sunshine and warmth; in return they offer glorious color all summer long with just an occasional dose of fertilizer!
Plant them indoors from seed 3 weeks before your last frost date or outside when it warms up enough for planting.
Keep some diatomaceous earth around to keep bugs away and insecticidal soap nearby too – then these beauties will be set until next springtime rolls round again!