FLOWER-COSMOS-SENSATION MIX (SALE)

How to grow Cosmos Sensation Mix

1.  Choose the right location with well-draining soil and full sun exposure (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily).
2.  Use moderately fertile soil.  Overly rich soil may lead to more foliage than blooms.  Ideal soil pH: 6.0–7.0.
3.  Cosmos Sensation Mix can be sewn directly in its growing position, or in punnets or seed boxes of moist seed compost.
4.  Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost to a depth of 0.6 cm (¼ inch) spaced 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart.
5.  Germination occures best at temperatures between 20–24°C (68–75°F).  Plant only when nighttime temperatures stay above 10°C (50°F).
6.  Keep the soil moist during germination, but avoid overwatering.  Once established, water sparingly.  Cosmos are drought-tolerant.
7.  Use a balanced fertilizer sparingly, as excessive fertilization reduces flowering.
8.  Thin & transplant once seedlings reach 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) tall.  Thining avoids overcrowding.
9.  For taller varieties (up to 120 cm/4 feet), provide support or stake if grown in windy areas.
10.  Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
11.  Prune leggy plants to promote bushier growth.
12.  Harvest blooms when petals are fully open.
13.  Cosmos are generally pest-free. If aphids appear, spray with soapy water.  Ensure good air circulation to avoid powdery mildew.
14.  Blooming period is approximately 8–10 weeks after planting

Additional growing tips

• Ignore fertilizing for more flowers. Cosmos thrive in poor soil. Avoid fertilizing to prevent lush foliage with fewer blooms.
• Sow successively for continuous blooms.  Sow seeds every 2–3 weeks to extend the blooming season.
• Plant in gravel or sandy soil .  Cosmos can grow well in sandy or gravelly soils, as long as drainage is good.
• Cut back hard by half their height for a late-season boom midway through the season.
• Cluster plants in tight clusters to let the plants support each other, reducing the need for stakes.
• Sprinkle coffee grounds around the base to deter slugs.   This also adds a touch of nitrogen to the soil.
• Skip deadheading late in the season and allow seed pods to mature on the plants for natural reseeding.
• Partially shad Cosmos in hot climates to protect them from the heat.  This does little to reducing flowering.
• Grow Cosmos near vegetables to attract pollinators and beneficial insects like hoverflies and ladybugs.
• Tall Cosmos varieties can create a natural privacy barrier or windbreak when planted densely.
• Grow Cosmos in deep pots (30 cm/12 inches) with well-draining soil for portable blooms on patios or balconies.
• Pair Cosmos with sunflowers or zinnias for mutual support and enhanced garden aesthetics.
• Use organic mulch around the base to keep roots cool and retain moisture in very dry climates.
• Combine Cosmos with other wildflowers like poppies or cornflowers to mimic a meadow.
• Save seeds by collecting them from dried flower heads. Store them in a dry, cool place for planting next season.

Heritage of Cosmos Sensation Mix

Cosmos Sensation Mix has a rich heritage rooted in its origins as a native wildflower of Mexico. These vibrant, daisy-like blooms were cultivated by Spanish priests in mission gardens, admired for their simplicity and elegance. Over time, Cosmos became a symbol of harmony and tranquility, with their name derived from the Greek word “kosmos,” meaning order or harmony. The Sensation Mix, a beloved cultivar introduced in the mid-20th century, combines pink, white, and crimson shades, earning it an All-America Selections award in 1936. Today, it remains a favorite among gardeners for its nostalgic charm and effortless beauty.

SHOP Garden Supplements
Category Colour Guide
Planting Guide for Australia