Cosmos Facts

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Overview

Cosmos flowers are one of the easiest flowers to grow as well as being drought tolerant and pest free. They are native to Mexico, Central America, the southern United States and northern South America. They are sometimes referred to as Mexican asters.

History

Spanish priests, who grew cosmos in their Mexican mission gardens, gave them their name from the Greek word for harmony or ordered universe.

Types

Cosmos are made up of approximately 25 different species that contain a variety of colored blooms, including white, orange, yellow, red, lavender, purple and pink. They are all self-seeding and will bloom year after year.

Growth

Dwarf varieties grow 18 to 24 inches in height, while the full-sized varieties grow 3 to 5 feet. Tall plants should be staked for support.

Care

Seeds can be scattered directly in the desired location after the last frost date. If starting indoors, plant seeds 4 to 6 weeks before the final frost.

Considerations

Since they are so easy to grow, cosmos are suitable in a wide variety of locations. They provide plenty of color in garden beds and borders and also make excellent cut flowers.

Fun Fact

Save cosmos seeds in your favorite color by tying yarn around the stems of those plants.

References

Overview of Cosmos
Cosmos: Growth and Care
Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences

Who Can Help

National Gardening Association

Keywords: growing cosmos, cosmos facts, about cosmos

About this Author

Vikki McMahon attended the College of New Jersey before experiencing a variety of career choices, including the pharmaceutical research field, the real estate industry and the Insurance industry. She has been a freelance writer since 2008 and shares her enthusiasm for parenting and home and garden topics, with published articles appearing on stressfreeliving.com and thebabybin.com.