Cosmos - Candy Stripe

120 seeds

🗓️ When to Sow

• Indoors: Start 4–6 weeks before the last frost date (optional for early blooms)

• Outdoors: Direct sow after the last frost, when soil warms to 15°C (59°F) or above

🌿 Cosmos thrive when direct sown, especially in warm, sunny spots.

🌱 How to Sow

✅ Direct Sowing (Recommended)

1. Site

   • Full sun (6+ hours/day)

   • Well-drained soil; poor soil is fine — too much fertility leads to more foliage, fewer flowers

2. Soil Prep

   • Loosen soil and rake smooth

   • Lightly water before sowing if dry

3. Sowing Depth

   • Sow seeds ¼ inch (6 mm) deep

   • Lightly cover and press down for soil contact

4. Spacing

   • Thin seedlings to 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart when a few inches tall

5. Watering

   • Keep soil lightly moist during germination

   • Once established, Cosmos are drought-tolerant

6. Germination

   • Typically in 7–10 days in warm soil

✅ Indoor Sowing (Optional)

1. Containers

   • Use trays or pots with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix

2. Sow Seeds

   • ¼ inch deep, cover lightly

   • Keep at 18–22°C (65–72°F)

3. Light & Care

   • Provide bright light or grow lights

   • Harden off before transplanting outdoors

🌿 Growing Notes

• Height: 36–48 inches (90–120 cm)

• Bloom Time: Mid-summer to frost

• Watering: Moderate; water deeply but infrequently

• Feeding: Not needed in average soil

• Deadheading: Encourages prolonged blooming

• Support: May need staking in windy areas