Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Cosmos bipinnatus or Garden cosmos

The genus Cosmos, family Asteraceae, includes 20 species of annual and perennial plants native to tropical regions of America. Some species are: Cosmos bipinnatus, Cosmos sulphureus, Cosmos diversifolius, Cosmos atrosanguineus.

Common names: Mexican aster, Common Cosmos, Garden cosmos. This species is native to Arizona (USA), Mexico and Guatemala to Costa Rica.

They are upright herbaceous plants that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The leaves are so divided that they have a threadlike appearance. The showy flowers are similar to daisies but larger (5 cm/1.96" in diameter); they can be pink, red, purple, violet or white, always with a yellow center. They bloom from early summer to mid-winter.

They are used to form groups combined with Zinnias and Coreopsis and for cut flower (floral decorations).

The Cosmos bipinnatus needs full sun exposure and protected from the wind; the stems are very delicate. They do not resist cold or frost.

The soil can be a very well-drained normal garden substrate. Planting is done at the end of winter, separating the specimens 50 cm (19.68") between them.

Water moderately at the rate of one watering every 3 days in summer and every 7-10 days the rest of the year.

Fertilize with compost at the time of planting and with mineral fertilizer every month during the summer.

They can be attacked by aphids.

They propagate by seeds sown in spring or early summer directly in the final location.

Images of the plant Cosmos bipinnatus or Garden cosmos