Cosmos bipinnatus Xanthos seeds
Have you already met cosmos xanthos? A breakthrough in gardening that will bring a wave of soft, sunny elegance to your garden. Its Greek name, “Xanthos,” meaning yellow, perfectly represents the unique hue of this delightful flower. This compact and early-blooming variety stands out as a true revolution in the Cosmos family, offering a fresh, soft yellow bloom that adds a new dimension to your garden.

Awarded the prestigious Fleuroselect Gold Medal for its striking color and innovative breeding, Cosmos Xanthos is a testament to exceptional horticultural achievement. Its compact growth makes it ideal for both garden borders and containers, allowing it to thrive even on balconies or terraces, making it a versatile choice for all kinds of gardeners. With a height of about 60 cm and a spread of 40 cm, these plants are robust yet manageable, perfect for creating vibrant displays in exposed or windy garden spots.

Planting information to grow cosmos from seed:
Plant type: Annual flowering
Height: flowers grow 60 centimeters tall
Position: prefers full sun but will also flower in partial shade
Planting time: from 4-6 weeks before the last frost in seed trays
Bloom time: starts 70 days after sowing
Spacing: 40 centimeters between each plant
Germination: Takes 7-14 days in temperatures of 15-20°C
Pinching: yes, pinching cosmos (cutting the top of young plants) results in full and bushy plants
Flowers: June to October, depending on the weather
Pollinator-friendly: Yes, the open flowers are full of pollen
Recommended seed tray or pot: start in 40 deep, if needed pot up to 15 cell or P9 flower pots
The package contains: 50 seeds

How to grow an abundance of cosmos

Growing cosmos from seed is very easy. You can directly sow seeds once the soil has warmed up, but plants will flower relatively late in summer. To save space and precious seeds I highly recommend starting seeds in seed trays or pots. Begin sowing your seeds about 4 to 6 weeks before that last frost date comes around. Gently tuck your seeds into the soil, making sure they’re cozied up at around 20°C to encourage speedy sprouting. After 1 to 2 weeks, you’ll start to see those cute little seedlings poking their heads up. But here’s a pro tip to avoid leggy plants: once those seeds have successfully sprouted, give them a slightly cooler environment.

Don’t forget to provide them with plenty of light, as sometimes a windowsill just won’t cut it in providing the brightness these seedlings crave. If you are short of indoor space, sow 2 weeks later and only germinate the seeds indoors. Then, when the last frost has passed, grow them outdoors in a very sunny spot. Once the seedlings are 15cm tall or the cells or pots are full of roots, it’s time to plant out.

Planting and Pruning Tips:

When it comes to planting your cosmos, spacing is key. Make sure to give your seedlings about 40 centimeters of room to thrive. When you are selecting the right spot, keep in mind that this cosmos easily becomes 100 centimeters tall! If you are growing cosmos as a cut flower, you can get away with 2 rows on a 75 cm bed.

Now, here’s a nifty trick to make your cosmos flourish: pinching. Pinching or pruning your cosmos plants is like giving them a little haircut that works wonders. It’ll encourage these beauties to grow nice and bushy, ensuring a breathtaking display of vibrant flowers. So, don’t be shy – give it a try!

Deadhead the flowers regularly and don’t be afraid to cut back because the plants will reward you with a ton of new growth. Are you a big fan of cosmos, or do you like to start a small cut flower garden? Try a second sowing! Start a new batch of seeds around 4 to 6 weeks after your first sowing.