Cosmos are easily grown from seed and in fact, produce the most vigorous plants when sown directly in the ground. Cosmos species will often self-sow for the following year. Cosmos flowers are highly attractive to a number of mid to late summer native bees. In fact, the blooming of Cosmos is often associated with the appearance of the first long-horned bees (Melissodes) of summer.

 

Native Regions

Native to Mexico, with a few species native to the southwestern United States.Cosmos bipinnatus, sometimes called the garden cosmos or Mexican aster, has been introduced throughout most of North America.

 

Availability

Several Cosmos species are common garden plants, easily available and grown in most parts of the U.S., as well as eastern and southern Canada.

 

Duration

Annual

 

Bloom Time

Summer to fall

 

Average Height

4 feet

 

Flower Color

Yellow

 

Exposure

Full sun

 

Water Requirements

Average

 

Recommended Species

Cosmos bipinnatus (garden cosmos, Mexican aster) can be grown in most parts of the United States, as well as eastern and some southwestern portions of Canada.

 

Cosmos sulphureus (sulphur cosmos, yellow cosmos) can be grown in most parts of the United States, with the exception of some midwest and northern states.