How to Care for Cosmos

Overview

Cosmos are colorful, warm season, annual, native wildlflowers that attract butterflies and make good cut flowers. Cosmos are easy to grow and can be found in red, orange, yellow and double-flowering varieties. Cosmos are good for a child's garden or a beginning gardener as the seeds are easy to handle, and plants can thrive with minimal care.

How to Grow and Care for Cosmos

Step 1

Find a location in the back of the garden that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Cosmos grow tall and spindly so an area away from high winds is preferable.

Step 2

Clear planting area by removing plants and grasses that will compete with new cosmos plants. Rake area smooth, and avoid packing the soil.

Step 3

Before spreading cosmos seed, mix seed with a little garden soil in a bucket or container. This will allow you to spread the seed evenly, and cover seed with a thin layer of soil at the same time.

Step 4

Spread cosmos seed mixed with soil evenly over planting area. Ideally, seed should be covered with 1/8 inch of soil, so add more garden soil if needed. Do not pack down the area after seeding.

Step 5

Lightly spray planting area with water without washing the thin soil layer from seed. Keep planting area damp until cosmos plants appear in 5 to 7 days.

Step 6

Water plants weekly or when they become heat stressed.