Cosmos bipinnatus, 'Apricot Lemonade'

20 Seeds

Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Apricot Lemonade’ is a beautiful annual cosmos variety known for its soft apricot, peach, cream, and pink-toned flowers. It grows best in sunny locations with moderate temperatures and well-drained soil. In the Gulf, particularly Kuwait, sowing during the cooler season is recommended because extreme summer heat can reduce flowering.

🌱 Best Sowing Time

• Best sowing period: October–January.
• Best period in Kuwait and very hot Gulf areas: November–December.
• A second sowing can be made in February if temperatures remain moderate.
• Avoid: June–August and periods of extreme summer heat.
• Ideal germination temperature: approximately 18–24°C.

🌿 How to Sow the Seeds

1. Select a location with full sun and good drainage.
2. Prepare loose, light soil with some compost or well-rotted organic matter.
3. Sow seeds approximately 0.5–1 cm deep.
4. Cover lightly with fine soil.
5. Space plants approximately 20–30 cm apart.
6. Water gently after sowing.
7. Keep the soil lightly moist, especially during germination.
8. If starting in seed trays, transplant carefully once seedlings have developed several true leaves.

⏱ Germination

• Seeds normally germinate in approximately 7–14 days under suitable conditions.
• Maintain moderate moisture without making the soil soggy.
• Provide good light immediately after emergence.
• Avoid overwatering, particularly in humid conditions.

🌱 Growing & Care

• Sunlight: Full sun is ideal.
• During periods of strong Gulf heat, provide light afternoon shade to young plants.
• Soil: Light, moderately fertile, and well drained.
• Watering: Water regularly while plants establish. Once established, Cosmos is relatively drought tolerant.
• Avoid constantly wet soil.
• Fertilizing: Use compost moderately. Excess nitrogen can produce excessive leafy growth and fewer flowers.
• Good airflow is important.
• Provide light support if plants become tall or are exposed to strong winds.

🌸 Flowering & Maintenance

• ‘Apricot Lemonade’ generally starts flowering around 8–12 weeks after sowing, depending on temperature and growing conditions.
• Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage additional blooms.
• Avoid excessive fertilizer during flowering.
• Good sunlight helps maintain strong stems and attractive flower colors.
• Some flowers can be left to mature if you want to collect seeds for the next season.

🌡 Gulf Climate Tips

• Autumn sowing is recommended for Kuwait and the hotter Gulf regions.
• Protect young seedlings from hot, dry winds.
• During unusually hot days, use temporary 30–50% shade during the afternoon.
• Water preferably in the early morning.
• Drip irrigation can be used for established plants.
• Avoid excessive watering during cooler weather.
• Container-grown plants can be moved to a partially shaded, cooler position during sudden heat waves.