RUBENZA COSMOS SEED

Cosmos bipinnatus

Easy to grow and attractive to beneficial insects, Cosmos belong in the vegetable garden. Rubenza cosmos feature a shorter stature and somewhat mounding habit, growing to around 3’ in all directions. Flowers open a deep plush burgundy red before fading to an attractive antique rose. Blooms continuously from spring until frost.

Cosmos are best sown outdoors where they are to grow; seeds will germinate quickly in warm weather and bloom in just a few short weeks. The delicate fronds of their seedlings are unmistakable (unless you mistake them for fennel). They can be started indoors where soils are slow to warm: sow 1/4" deep in moist soil, pressing to keep seed cozy; kept warm (70°F) and moist, seeds will germinate with a week or so. Cosmos often resent being transplanted; grow in individual cells and avoid root disturbance as much as possible.

Saving seeds from cosmos is easy: collect dry seedheads, winnow and dry completely before sealing up for next season. Cosmos will cross easily, so growing one variety of each species per year is advised. Cosmos seeds remain viable for at least a few years, usually more, if kept cool and dry.

Packet contains a minimum of 50 seeds.

Pictured here with our beloved Petunia integrifolia, whose prostrate snaking habit works beautifully beneath Rubenza in an informal mixed garden bed.