Cosmos bipinnatus Xsenia flower seeds
We tried this variety because of the fantastic color. Because last year we grew so many cosmos I mixed them up and forgot about this variety. I planted some cosmos out in the garden by mid-summer I was wondering what that beautiful smaller variety cosmos was! Most cosmos grow very large and tall, great to cut flowers from but not the best as garden plants. This variety however is fantastic to plants in the front of the border as an annual flowering eye-catcher! I did not support the plants and they grew very well in partial shade.

Planting information to grow cosmos from seed:
Plant type: annual
Height: 50 – 60 centimeters
Position: full sun or partial sun
Start: 3/4 weeks before the last frost date
Number of days until plants bloom: 90-100 days
Distance between the plants: 30 to 40 centimeters
Pinching: when young plants are about 30 centimeters high
Number of seeds per pack: 50

Sow cosmos indoors in a windowsill or in the greenhouse in early spring, 3 to 4 weeks before transplanting outside. The seed can also be sown directly in mid to late spring. During germination, keep the soil moderately moist. Use good compost or fine sowing soil and cover to a depth of 3mm. Plants grow quickly so it is best to sow them in the 40 cell tray or larger. Plant them out after the frost has passed. Cosmos plants grow quite large, give them space and keep at least 40 centimeters of planting distance. We keep about 2 plants on a 75-centimeter wide bed.