Cosmos

Easy to grow - don't require a rich soil but do need good drainage and shelter or support in strong wind. Full sun and best sown direct where they are to grow in mid Spring to Summer - cover lightly with soil (5mm) and keep damp until germination (approx 7-14 days) - thin to 20-30cm apart - pinch out growing tip at 20cm high to encourage branching - stronger plant and more flowers - deadhead regularly to keep flowering, if harvesting for cut do so just as colour appears in bud. Tall grower - may need support/shelter in strong wind.

Will replace themselves in the garden each season if left to self seed.

Gathered from my home garden from open-pollinated blooms - may be some cross pollination resulting in variation to flowers.