Cosmos ‘Xsenia’

Cosmos bipinnatus

Features

  • Cut-and-come-again
  • Easy to grow
  • Heat-loving
  • Pollinator-friendly
  • Suitable for containers

Description

These early-to-flower gems are a new favorite on the farm. Shades of magenta, purple, and raspberry have an iridescent quality and age to an apricot cast. Blooms on ‘Xsenia’ are more petite than other cosmos varieties, and medium-size, healthy plants carry flowers on strong, upright stems. So many colors give the flowers a chameleon-like quality, and they mix well with a wide range of shades.

Details

Plant type: annual
Height: 24 to 28 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: when 8 to 12 in tall

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Start seed indoors in trays 4 to 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Cosmos can also be direct-seeded once the weather has warmed.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when buds are just cracking, but haven’t fully opened. For double varieties, let open halfway before picking. Expect a vase life of 5 to 6 days.

Details

Description

These early-to-flower gems are a new favorite on the farm. Shades of magenta, purple, and raspberry have an iridescent quality and age to an apricot cast. Blooms on ‘Xsenia’ are more petite than other cosmos varieties, and medium-size, healthy plants carry flowers on strong, upright stems. So many colors give the flowers a chameleon-like quality, and they mix well with a wide range of shades.

Details

Plant type: annual
Height: 24 to 28 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: when 8 to 12 in tall

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Start seed indoors in trays 4 to 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Cosmos can also be direct-seeded once the weather has warmed.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when buds are just cracking, but haven’t fully opened. For double varieties, let open halfway before picking. Expect a vase life of 5 to 6 days.

Sources

How to Grow

Winter Mini Course: Seed-Starting 101

Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series

In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.