Cosmos - Polidor Mix

250 seeds

Cosmos 'Polidor' is a compact, heat-tolerant annual that produces large semi-double and double flowers in vibrant shades of gold, yellow, orange, apricot, and scarlet. It is ideal for flower beds, borders, containers, pollinator gardens, and cut flower arrangements. It attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. In the Gulf region, it performs best when planted during the cool season and continues flowering into warm spring weather.

Best Planting Time

• October to February (recommended)
• Successive sowings every 3–4 weeks provide continuous blooms.
• Avoid sowing during the hottest summer months.

Seed Preparation

• No soaking is required.
• Sow fresh, high-quality seeds.
• No cold stratification is needed.

Soil Preparation

Cosmos grows best in light, well-drained soil and does not require highly fertile soil.

Recommended mix:

• 40% Garden soil
• 30% Compost
• 20% Coco peat
• 10% Perlite or coarse sand

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.0–7.5

Sowing Method

• Sow directly into the garden or in seed trays.
• Plant seeds 0.5–1 cm deep.
• Cover lightly with fine soil.
• Keep the soil lightly moist until germination.
• Transplant seedlings when they have 3–4 true leaves.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 20–25°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 20–32°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Full sun produces the strongest plants and most flowers.

Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist during germination.
• After establishment, water when the top 3–4 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Cosmos is drought tolerant once established.
• Avoid excessive watering, which encourages leafy growth and fewer flowers.

Germination Time

• 5–10 days

Plant Spacing

• 25–30 cm between plants.
• 30–40 cm between rows.

Flowering

• Begins approximately 60–75 days after sowing.
• Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
• Flowers continuously until temperatures become excessively hot.

Fertilization

• Mix compost into the soil before planting.
• Apply a light balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it reduces flowering.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Grow during the cool season for the longest flowering period.
• Water early in the morning.
• Apply light mulch to retain soil moisture.
• Ensure good air circulation.
• Monitor for aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, powdery mildew, and fungal diseases during humid weather.
• Cosmos 'Polidor' performs beautifully in flower beds, borders, containers, cottage gardens, public landscapes, and pollinator gardens throughout the Gulf.