Cosmos Seashells Mixed – Mr. Fothergill’s

Cosmos bipinnatus

• Unusual tubular petals, attractive ferny foliage
• Long flowering, ideal for back of borders
• Germination in14-21 days.
• Full Sun
• Half Hardy Annual
• Attracts bees and butterflies

Produces unusual flowers through Summer with unique petal shapes that vary to each flower. An excellent cut flower with soft billowing foliage making it ideal for border backdrops.

Approx. 60 seeds

Sow indoors for surest results, February-April, 0.5cm (“) deep, in trays of compost. Water well and place in a warm position. A temperature of 15-20C (60-68F) is ideal. Keep moist. Seedlings usually appear in 14-21 days. Transplant seedlings, 5cm (2”) apart, to other trays when large enough to handle (always hold by a leaf, never by the stem). Grow on in cooler, but not cold conditions. Gradually accustom young plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out into well-drained soil, May-June, 30cm (1′) apart, when frosts are over.

Sow outdoors for ease, April-May, where they are to flower, 1.5cm () deep, into finely-prepared, well-drained soil, which has already been watered. Thin seedlings to 30cm (1′) apart. Water well until plants are established. Flowers: June-October.

Remove the dead heads regularly to prolong the flowering season. Cosmos do well, even in poor soils or dry summers.