Cosmos bipinnatus 'Velouette'
cosmos
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Average
- Hardiness: Half-hardy annual
'Velouette' offers a captivating display with dark crimson petals streaked with white, thriving in reliably moist borders and as cut flowers. This insect friendly, upright annual has been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit and provide a mass of wind-bobbing floriferous summer and autumn enjoyment.
Easy to grow, Cosmos enjoy reliably moist soil but be careful not to overwater. Pinch out young tips for a bushier plant. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to stimulate further blooms. May require staking with peas sticks or brash in exposed locations.
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.