Sulfur Cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus) – Offered by Ferme Tourne-Sol
Sulphur cosmos brightens the garden with its vibrant orange, yellow and red flowers , attracting a multitude of bees, butterflies and other essential pollinators . Easy to grow, it tolerates poor soils, heat and drought , while producing abundant blooms from midsummer until the first frost . Native to Mexico and Central America , it spread to Europe as early as the 16th century, delighting gardeners with its vigorous growth and easy care .
Species : Cosmos sulphureus
Family : Asteraceae
Type : Annual flower
Plant habit : Erect and branched
Spread : 30 to 40 cm
Plant height : 60 to 90 cm
Quantity per pack : 50 seeds
Maturity : 70 days
Companion plants : Sunflower, zinnia, marigold, echinacea
Enemy plants : None, beneficial in any garden
✅ Sow directly in open ground after the last frost or start indoors 6 weeks before transplanting .
✅ Sowing depth: 1/2” (1.3 cm) , in rows spaced 25-30 cm apart and with 3 to 5 seeds per plant .
✅ Water moderately , cosmos prefers well-drained soil and tolerates drought well.
✅ Cut off faded flowers to prolong flowering and harvest seeds at the end of the season for the following year.
How to save seeds
✅ Let a few flowers dry on the plant , their petals will fall off to reveal a cluster of seeds.
✅ Harvest the seeds by hand , removing any small plant residues.
✅ Let them dry for a few weeks before storing them in a clearly marked envelope.
✅ Store them in a cool, dry place to ensure their viability.
With its resistance, its prolonged flowering and its ability to adapt to various soils , it is a must-have for the vegetable garden and the flower garden.
The sulfur cosmos is much more than just a decorative flower: it creates a real refuge for pollinators, thus promoting a flourishing and balanced ecosystem.
