Seeds, Cosmos Mini Blend (West Coast Seeds)

This is a shorter version of the Sensation Mix, but not technically a dwarf variety. Mini Blend Cosmos seeds produce flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies and wild pollinators. This blend looks fantastic on its own as a short growing meadow flower, and it is quite drought tolerant, so it's useful in xeriscaping. They're also pretty enough for gathering as cut flowers. Direct sow Cosmos seeds from April to early June and keep the mature plants deadheaded to prolong the blooming season until first frost.

Annual

Timing
Direct sow after the last frost date. Several sowings will result in a very long bloom period. Cosmos can also be started indoors in late winter for transplanting after last frost, once daytime temperatures are above 10°C (50°F). Seeds will sprout in 3-10 days. Optimal temperature for germination: 21-25°C (70-75°F).

Starting
Sow seeds very shallowly only a few millimetres (1/8″) deep. Thin or transplant to 20-25cm (8-10″) apart.