Cosmos bipinnatus 'Apricota'
cosmos
Delivery options
- Seed Packets (only) £2.95
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil or general-purpose compost for containers
- Rate of growth: fast
- Flowering period: June to October
- Hardiness: half hardy annual
A stunning, almost ‘iridescent’ half-hardy annual. 'Apricota' is an upright, bushy variety, with very finely-divided foliage from branching stems that bear very pale orange flowers, flushed pink at the base. The blooms fade to cream, with a yellow eye. Deadheaded regularly, this plant really keeps it’s ‘fizz’ throughout the summer, providing a regular supply of glamorous colour for both the cut flower vase and the border.
Garden care:
Pot up and grow on under glass until all risk of frost has passed and they can be planted outside in a well-prepared bed. Pinching out the growing tips will encourage them to become bushier, and taller plants may need supporting with brushwood stems in exposed positions.
In early spring, sow seed shallowly in seed trays and keep under glass, transplanting them into individual pots when large enough to handle. Harden off before planting outside after the frosts. Alternatively, sow in-situ in mid- to late spring in a well-prepared bed and thin the seedlings out as they grow to allow approximately 30cm between each.