Cosmos ‘Apricot Lemonade’

Cosmos bipinnatus

Features

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

Description

There is absolutely no cosmos like this beauty. The unique color reminds us of ‘Distant Drums’ roses—watercolored petals start out a soft apricot with a dusty lavender reverse and fade to a buttery yellow. Variations amongst the blooms include some flowers with a mauve ring at the throat. A bit of separation between the petals reminds us of a pinwheel with snipped dovetail edges. A must-grow for event work.

Details

Plant type: annual
Height: 20 to 30 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

There is absolutely no cosmos like this beauty. The unique color reminds us of ‘Distant Drums’ roses—watercolored petals start out a soft apricot with a dusty lavender reverse and fade to a buttery yellow. Variations amongst the blooms include some flowers with a mauve ring at the throat. A bit of separation between the petals reminds us of a pinwheel with snipped dovetail edges. A must-grow for event work.

Details

Plant type: annual
Height: 20 to 30 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

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.