Airy, daisy-like flowers on tall, feathery stems. Cosmos are effortless to grow and bloom prolifically from midsummer through frost, attracting butterflies by the dozen.
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Sunlight
Full sun, 6+ hrs
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Water
Low, drought-tolerant
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Type
Annual
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Soil
Average to poor, well-drained
Growing Basics
Cosmos are annuals in Minnesota â tender to frost, but fast-growing and long-blooming once established.
Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours daily). They need sun to bloom well.
Soil: Average to lean, well-drained soil. This is one plant that actually does better in less fertile soil â rich soil leads to lush foliage but fewer flowers.
Transplanting: Plant after your last frost date. Plant at the same depth as in the pot and handle roots gently.
Watering: Water to establish, then back off. Cosmos are very drought-tolerant and thrive with minimal watering. Overwatering causes floppy stems and sparse blooms.
Fertilization: Skip the fertilizer or use it very sparingly. Too much nutrition is counterproductive for cosmos.
Other Tips
Deadhead to encourage more blooms, or leave spent flowers to attract birds and self-seed for next year.
Tall varieties (3â4 feet) can get floppy in wind â plant them near a fence or other support, or pinch the growing tip when young to encourage branching.
Outstanding cut flower â the feathery foliage adds texture to bouquets.
A top butterfly plant, especially for monarchs and swallowtails.
