Cosmos Bipinnatus Radiance Seeds | Cosmos Bipinnatus Sensation

Cosmos Bipinnatus Radiance Seeds

Cosmos Radiance, a popular heirloom cosmos, produces vibrant, long-lasting blooms in a range of pink and red hues, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. The plants are relatively easy to grow, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, and can reach heights of 3 to 5 feet. They are also low-maintenance, drought-tolerant and may even self-seed.

Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Sensation Radiance‘ is a popular, bushy annual known for its large, brilliant rose-pink flowers with a dark crimson center. These single blooms, around 8-10 cm across, are borne atop tall stems and can grow up to 120 cm high. The ‘Radiance’ variety is part of the ‘Sensation’ strain, a recognized All-America Selections winner.

Key Features: Sensation Radiance

• Scientific Name: Cosmos bipinnatus
• Common Names: Garden Cosmos, Mexican Aster, Cut Leaf Cosmos, Tall Cosmos, Cosmea
• Life Cycle: Annual
• Flower Colors: Typically pink, with varieties showcasing rose-pink with deeper rose-pink at the base of petals
• Bloom Season: Early summer to late fall
• Uses: Cut flowers, attracting pollinators (bees, butterflies), and creating a vibrant display in gardens
• Benefits: Easy to grow, low maintenance, attracts pollinators, and is a good cut flower
• Appearance: Radiance Cosmos feature large, vibrant blooms, typically in shades of pink, rose-pink, or deep magenta, with a darker halo at the petal base.
• Bloom Time: They bloom from early summer through fall, providing a continuous display of color.
• Growth Habits: Radiance Cosmos are annuals, growing to a height of 3 to 5 feet and a width of 1-2 feet.
• Easy to Grow: Cosmos are generally easy to grow, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. They can be direct-sown into the garden after the last frost.
• Pollinator Attraction: Their bright blooms are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Low Maintenance: They are relatively low-maintenance and drought-tolerant.
• Cutting Flowers: The blooms are also excellent for cutting and arranging indoors.
• Self-Sowing: Cosmos can self-sow, which can lead to a new display of plants the following year.

Cultivation: Garden Cosmos

• Sunlight: Cosmos thrive in full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade.
• Soil: They prefer well-drained soil.
• Watering: They are moderately drought-tolerant but should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Fertilizing: Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.

Additional Notes: Mexican Aster

• Cosmos are known for their low maintenance and ease of growth, making them a great choice for beginner gardeners.
• They are also a good choice for adding color to borders, cottage gardens, and containers.
• When deadheading, it’s important to remove the entire flower head, including the seed pod, to prevent unwanted self-sowing.
• Cosmos can be paired with other plants that prefer similar conditions, such as cleome, dahlias, and cannas.

Detailed Sowing Instructions: Cut Leaf Cosmos

1. Timing: Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost, typically in spring.
2. Soil Preparation: Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining soil.
3. Sowing: Scatter the seeds thinly on the prepared soil and lightly rake them in to a depth of about 1/4 inch.
4. Spacing: Space seeds 9-12 inches apart.
5. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until germination.
6. Germination: Cosmos seeds typically germinate within 14-21 days.
7. Thinning (if necessary): If seedlings emerge too thickly, thin them to 9-12 inches apart.
8. Indoors Starting: If starting indoors, sow seeds 1/2″ deep in seed-starting medium, maintaining a temperature of 68° to 85°F.
9. Transplanting: Once seedlings are 3″ tall, transplant them to the garden, spacing them 9-24″ apart.

Growing Tips: Cosmea

• Cosmos seeds require light to germinate, so don’t cover them too deeply.
• Cosmos plants thrive in full sun and prefer well-draining soil.
• They are drought-tolerant once established and can thrive in infertile or dry soil.
• Cosmos can be cut back to encourage more blooms throughout the season.
• They are known for their long flowering season, often blooming from mid-summer until frost.

Easy Maintenance: Cosmos are generally low-maintenance, making them a good choice for beginner gardeners.