Cosmos Apricotta

For the longest vase life (5–7 days), harvest flowers ideally in the morning, when the plants are hydrated. The correct stage for cutting is:

• When the bud is just beginning to open.
• Or when the flowers are open but the yellow center is still closed (not yet fully bloomed).

No, the Cosmos 'Apricotta' is not suitable for drying. Its petals are very delicate and lose their shape and beauty once dried. It is best enjoyed fresh in the flower bed or in a vase.

Cosmos act as "flower machines." The more you cut them, the more they bloom. It is important to:

• Regularly harvest fresh flowers for a vase.
• Remove spent blooms (deadheading) so the plant does not exhaust itself producing seeds.

Thanks to this, it will bloom until the first frost.

You have two options for sowing. If you want to start the plants indoors, begin during April (approx. 2–4 weeks before the last frost). However, be careful not to start too early, as leggy seedlings are more difficult to establish.

The second option is direct sowing into the flower bed, which is ideal to carry out in May, June, or July, once the last spring frosts have passed.

The recommended spacing is 20 to 30 cm. Although this may seem like a large gap for a small seedling, the plant will grow to fill it. Furthermore, sufficient space is essential for air circulation, which acts as a preventative measure against fungal diseases.

Seeds need contact with soil and moisture to germinate. Follow these steps:

• Place 1 to 2 seeds into each seed tray cell.
• Lightly cover the seeds with a layer of substrate (they should not remain on the surface).
• Keep the temperature ideally between 18–22 °C.
• Germination is very fast, usually taking only 4 to 8 days.

Like most garden plants, Cosmos has its enemies. The most common include:

• Aphids: Often attack young shoots.
• Slugs and snails: Can destroy young seedlings.
• Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that can be prevented by providing enough space between plants (20–30 cm) for air circulation.

Cosmos love the sun, but they can also handle partial shade. As for the soil, they are not demanding – on the contrary, they prefer well-draining and leaner soil. If you plant them in soil that is too heavily fertilized and rich in nitrogen, they will produce plenty of leaves but few flowers.

No, Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) is a typical annual. It is not frost-hardy (it can only withstand temperatures down to 0 °C) and the plant dies with the arrival of the first stronger frosts. However, it self-seeds nicely, so it will likely appear again in the same spot (or nearby) on its own next year.

Yes, the Apricotta Cosmos is very suitable even for complete beginners. It is an undemanding annual. If you follow the basic rules (sowing after the frost, support, and pinching), it will reward you with a profusion of flowers.

Yes, Cosmos is very attractive to insects. Its open flowers attract bees and other pollinators, making it a great addition to natural gardens that support biodiversity.

Cosmos is completely safe. It is not poisonous, and its flowers are actually edible. You can use them, for example, as a beautiful garnish for desserts, salads, or drinks.

This variety is unique for its coloration, which differs from common white or pink Cosmos. It offers distinctive tones of apricot, salmon, peach, and pastel to light pink. The flowers have a very delicate and silky appearance.