Cosmos Crazy

If you have been watching the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, no doubt you have been inspired enough to get cracking and try to recreate some of the gorgeous planting ideas that were featured on the show, in your own gardens and plots.

The beautiful Summer annual Cosmos was heavily featured this year, with Jonathan Sheppard of British Grown Cosmos getting a Gold Floral Medal for his stunning displays, and Carlo Klein waxing lyrical about the beauty of the many different varieties. I profess that Cosmos is my ultimate Summer favourite go-to flower and I grow them abundantly in my own garden, as they are great for filling borders and the foliage is very frothy and pleasing to the eye. (See pictures).

So here are a few tips on how to grow Cosmos in this, the month of May, for a simply stunning garden showing this Summer: -

·       In May you can sow the seeds directly into borders and pots.

·       I started mine off in the greenhouse about 6 weeks ago and they are ready to be transplanted outside to a sunny spot.

·       You may also purchase them as small plants from gardens centres if you do not want to wait for germination.

·       Sow about 1cm deep and with gentle watering in, they will appear in about a week or so.

·       Thereafter, make sure the soil remains moist.

·       Try not to overcrowd the plants, as this gives them more space for healthy growth and keeps pests at bay.

·       It also advised to pinch out the growing tips as this helps the plants grow bushy and not ‘leggy.’ However, just once is enough pinching!

·       The plants are happier a bit on the dry side, so don’t water too much, about once a week give them a good soaking. If they are in pots, water more frequently, especially in hot weather.

·       The beauty of Cosmos is that the more you dead head, the more blooms you will encourage, and you will keep the flowers thriving until Autumn. There are so many lovely varieties to choose from: Cupcake, Fizz, Chocolate (yes, it does really smell of chocolate!), Dazzler. And get your teeth around this one – “Cosmos Bipinnatus Sonata Carmine”!

So really what’s not to love about these gorgeous cottage garden flowers. I hope you manage to incorporate some into your own garden this Summer.

Sue

The Go-Lightly Gardener