Cosmos Candy Stripe

 Climate and Soil Requirements

Climate:

• Cosmos thrives in warm, sunny climates and is well suited to most regions in Australia.

Soil:

• Cosmos prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0.
• It can tolerate poor soil conditions, including sandy or rocky soils, making it ideal for Australian gardens.
• Avoid overly rich or fertile soil, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Planting Cosmos

Seed Sowing:

• Sow seeds directly into the garden bed or in seed trays.
• Scatter seeds on the soil surface and lightly cover with 3 mm of soil.
• Space seeds 30 cm apart to allow for growth.
• Water gently to avoid displacing the seeds.

Germination:

• Seeds typically germinate in 7=10 days.
• Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during germination.

Transplanting:

• If starting seeds indoors, transplant seedlings outdoors once they are 10-15 cm tall and the weather is warm.

Care and Maintenance

Watering:

• Cosmos is drought tolerant once established.
• Water young plants regularly until they develop a strong root system.
• Mature plants only need watering during prolonged dry spells.

Fertilising:

• Avoid over fertilising, as this can reduce flowering.
• If necessary, apply a balanced, low nitrogen fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.

Deadheading:

• Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
• Deadheading also prevents self-seeding if you want to control the spread of Cosmos.

Pests and Diseases:

• Cosmos is relatively pest resistant but can occasionally attract aphids or spider mites.
• Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

Companion Planting

Best Companion Plants

Vegetables:

• Tomatoes: Cosmos attracts pollinators like bees, which can improve tomato yields.
• Zucchini and Squash: Cosmos helps deter pests like aphids and whiteflies.
• Beans: The tall, airy structure of Cosmos provides light shade for beans without competing for nutrients.

Herbs:

• Basil: Cosmos and basil grow well together and attract beneficial insects.
• Dill: Both plants attract hoverflies, which prey on aphids.

Flowers:

• Marigolds: Marigolds repel nematodes and other pests, while Cosmos attracts pollinators.
• Zinnias: These flowers share similar growing conditions and create a vibrant, colourful garden.
• Sunflowers: Cosmos can fill in gaps around sunflowers and attract pollinators.
• Lavender: Both plants thrive in sunny, well-draining conditions and attract pollinators.
• Nasturtiums: These act as a trap crop for aphids, protecting Cosmos and other plants.

Plants to Avoid:

• Avoid planting Cosmos near plants that require rich, fertile soil, as Cosmos thrives in poorer conditions.
• Keep Cosmos away from aggressive growers that may overshadow or outcompete it.

Harvesting and Saving Seeds

Harvesting Flowers:

• Cut Cosmos flowers in the morning when they are fully open.
• Place them in a vase with fresh water for a long-lasting display.

Saving Seeds:

• Allow some flowers to remain on the plant until they fade and dry out.
• Collect the dried seed heads and remove the seeds.
• Store seeds in a cool, dry place for planting next season.

 Troubleshooting Common Issues

 Leggy Plants:

• Caused by insufficient sunlight.
• Ensure Cosmos receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.

 Poor Flowering:

• Over fertilisation or overly rich soil can reduce blooms.
• Stick to low nitrogen fertilizers.

 Self-Seeding:

• Cosmos can self-seed prolifically.
• Deadhead regularly to control spread.