When is the best time to plant my Cosmos flower seeds?
For most climates in Australia the best time to plant them is in spring or early summer. When the weather hasn’t fully warmed up. For warmer climates, you can plant them in winter but make sure it’s past the frost period.
General profile of Cosmos flowers
Sowing method: Direct sowing or raising seedlings - you can put these straight into a garden bed or pot, or raise them as seedlings.
Life cycle: Annual
Plant height: 80-130cm
Season: spring, summer
Spacing: 30cm
Sun requirements: Full sun
Soil requirements: Well drained soil
Time to sprout: 15 - 21 days at 21 - 26°C
Days until fully grown: 90 days
Popular Cosmos flower varieties
Cosmos Sensation Daydream
Scientific name: Cosmos bipinnatus
Cosmos Sensation Daydream is an annual growing to 80cm. Its flowers are light with dark pink centres. It makes a great cut flower and attracts bees and other pollinators.
Cosmos Versailles Flush
Scientific name: Cosmos bipinnatus
Cosmos Versailles Flush has white flowers with pink blush and grows to a height of 110cm. A great beginner flower as it will tolerate poor soil.
Cosmos Cupcake White
Scientific name: Cosmos bipinnatus
A new form of cosmos also known as ‘Cups and Saucers’. The Cosmos Cupcake White has cup shaped flowers that are white and make a perfect cut flower. The flowers are beneficial to pollinators.
Cosmos Lemonade Apricot
Scientific name: Cosmos bipinnatus
The Cosmos Lemonade Apricot is a type of cosmos with light yellow and apricot flowers. It’s a pollinator attractor and is a fantastic cut flower due to them growing 120cm tall. The best time to harvest the flowers is just before they have fully opened.
