I tried it for the first time last year. Can't say enough about this plant. Bright colors, drought tolerant, loves poor soil, blooms June through end summer. I grew from seed last year in open garden and it came right up with warm weather. It re-seeds itself. Instructions on seed packet says Cosmos doesn't like transplanting which may be why you don't see much of it at Lowe's or HD. Was at Grower's Outlet last Thursday and didn't see any. It isn't too late to grow from seed if you want to try it.

Yep, you can still get seed packets at HD and other places and they will sprout, grow and bloom this summer.

I have cosmos growing from seeds and I love them. I saved some seeds from last year and started them in flats and then used those to fill in the bare spots but they reseeded like crazy. I just filled in some of the holes. With the seeds it is also good to start some a few weeks later so you have continuous blooms. My yellow ones did so well last year that I had tons of seeds to share and I planted pink ones this year as well. I was lucky enough to get those from someone on either the winter sowing forum, or the seed exchange.

Just be careful with Cosmos. They readily self-seed. Everywhere. So much so that they can become a weedy problem.

yes, but they pull out so easily.

I planted one pack of Cosmos seeds this Spring...the photo of the flower showed it to be red...so I'm wondering why I have light pink, maroon and white flowers?
They are 2-3 feet tall...some are falling over...do they need to be pinched to become a bushy plant?
(My first time growing Cosmos)

Kathy, you're right, they do pull out easily, but my puller- outter is already being overworked. I really hate adding to the task list since I'm not ready to quit the day job.

Cheers and Happy 4th!!

Hello guyfromsg

I am living in Alpharetta, GA. I have 3 different kinds of cosmos growing in my garden. Please let me know if you are interested, I will send you some seeds via mail, or you could pick them up..
One kind of cosmos is very bushy, 2-3 feet tall and start blooming from October till fros...

Regards

Alpharetta

Does anyone have problem with ants on cosmos? My cosmos were covered with these bugs last summer.
Happy gardening!
Natalie