How to Grow Cosmos | Don't Waste

It is not afraid of mould, it blooms all summer and is easy to grow (I don't even need them pruning). The cosmea It is an annual plant, native to Central and South America, also known as "Mexican aster." It belongs to a genus of about 20-30 species, some of which are cultivated as annuals, others as perennials. Its name derives from the Greek cosmo, ordered, and indicates the order in which the petals of its flowers.

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Origini

The name of the cosmos originates from the Greek, cosmos, which means neat: and indeed this plant is neat, hence its particular charm, starting with the configuration of its petals. The cosmos is native to Central and South America, primarily Mexico, and is in fact also known as "the star of Mexico."

How it is grown

The cosmos presents large rounded bushes, which tend to take up a lot of space, small, elongated, dark green leaves e large simple flowers, with a yellow center and very colorful petals: white, yellow, pink, or red. The flowers look like large daisies. The plant, which can reach a height of 120 cm, is widely used in garden for its ease of cultivation and abundant flowering.

Exposure and climate

Cosmos prefers a temperate climate; it tolerates the cold, and is therefore grown as an annual in particularly mild climates. It prefers a sunny location. Above all, it must be well sheltered from wind, which could damage the plant and prevent flowering.

Land and cultivation care

The ideal soil is organic with medium fertility. Add some fertilizzante for flowering plants every 10-15 days by mixing it with the water watering.

How to grow it at home

The cosmos is easy to grow even in potsAnd it doesn't require any special care. The only precaution, considering the potential size of the plant, is to choose large, deep containers. The soil must be well-drained and mixed with sand; repotting should be done in spring. During the winter, the cosmos in jar It should be protected with a cover and moved to an area where the temperature is not too low.

Watering

Regular watering, but not too abundant.

Sowing and flowering

Cosmos multiplies by seed Using the previous year's seeds in spring. If desired, you can sow them in seedbeds in January-February; the seedlings should be planted with the first warm weather, in April-May. It flowers in spring and summer. Germination begins about ten days after sowing, while the first flowering takes at least two months.

Problems and remedies

It is a fairly rustic plant, which does not particularly fear adversities; occasionally it can be attacked by aphids e cochineal, and snails can also attack the plant to eat the shoots. The cosmos's enemies must be fought with specific products.

Cosmea: the plant that gives flowers all summer long.