Xsenia – Cosmos Seed

Novel terracotta rose color.
Multicolored blooms appear luminous. Petals display a lovely rose color at the edges and flower center, with terracotta orange filling in the mid-petals. This brilliant color fades to a warm, antique rose as blooms mature. 2 1/2" single-flowered blooms display compact, tightly arranged/packed petals, giving the flowers an attractive, tidy appearance. More compact than our other cut-flower cosmos at 24–28" tall, but very worth growing for its beautiful color and tidy flowers. Plants produce stems long enough for short cuts (10–14"), especially if pinched when seedlings are 8–10" tall. A 2018 Fleuroselect Novelty Award winner. Ht. 24-28". Avg. 5,100 seeds/oz. Packet: 50 seeds.

DAYS TO GERMINATION: 7-10 days at 68-72°F (20-22°C). When planted outside, soil temperature must be above 60°F (16°C).

SOWING: Direct seed: After last frost, once soil temperature is above 60°F (16°C), sow seed thinly in rows, barely covering the seeds. Thin when the first true leaves appear. Tall varieties may benefit from some wind protection. Transplant: Sow seed thinly, barely covering, 5-7 weeks before setting out. Keep soil moist until emergence. When the first true leaves appear transplant into larger containers. Harden off and transplant outdoors after the last frost.

LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Any soil.

PLANT SPACING: 9-12". Wider spacing creates stronger, thicker stems.

HARDINESS ZONES: Annual.

HARVEST: Fresh: Harvest when petals on the first flower are just opening, but not yet flattened. Deadheading is required to have blooms all summer.

USES: Excellent cut flowers. Beds, containers, and mass plantings.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cosmos bipinnatus