Cosmos Flowers

Genus Cosmos

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 16:55:14 GMT

Genus Cosmos

Genus Cosmos has about 20 species of annual and perennial plants in the Asteraceae family, the family of sunflowers, Daisies and Asters. Cosmos genus includes, Cosmos bipinnatus, commonly known as Mexican Aster and Cosmos sulphureus, Yellow Cosmos , and Cosmos

atrosanguineus Chocolate Cosmos.

Kingdom

Plantae

Division

Magnoliophyta

Class

Magnoliopsida

Order

Asterales

Family

Asteraceae

Tribe

Heliantheae

Genus

Cosmos

Cosmos flowerse are produced in a capitulum. Cosmos flower capitulum is surrounded by a ring of broad ray florets and a center of disc florets. There is a lot of color variation in between the species. Cosmos flowers are 2-4 inches in diameter. Cosmos flowers come in brightly colored single or double flowers which include white, pink, orange, yellow,

and scarlet colors.

Facts About Cosmos Flowers

Cosmos area herbaceous perennial flowering plants.

Cosmos flower plants grow to 3-6 feet tall.

The leaves of Cosmos plant are simple, pinnate, or bipinnate, and are arranged in opposite pairs.

The word Cosmos is derived from the Greek, which means a balanced universe.

Cosmos flower blooms twice a year and only once in the season.

Cosmos flowers blooms heavily, but dies with first frost.

Cosmos flowers can regrow in the following spring if seed falls on bare ground.

Cosmos flowers occurs in Solid pink, white, maroon, and pink with deep pink flares.

Cosmos flowering plants can be grown quickly and successfully in all regions.

Cosmos seeds are miniature pine needles.

Cosmos seeds are one of the easiest seeds in the world to grow.

Chocolate cosmos or Cosmos atrosanguinea, fills the air with its sweet scent of vanilla tinged chocolate.

Lace cosmos have more rows of petals, and have ferny foliage of a very delicate texture. Cosmos sulphureus plant leaves resemble those of marigolds (member of the Compositae, to which Cosmos belongs).

Growing Cosmos flowers

Sow the cosmos seeds directly just before the last frost.
Give 12 inches of space between the plants.
Spread the cosmos seeds over freshly turned bare soil.
Press the seed into the dirt, and do not cover the seed.
Cosmos seeds germinate quickly.
Cosmos plants normally grow to 4-5 feet in a season.
Most of the Cosmos varieties are annuals, but there are perennial varieties also.
Perennial varieties of cosmos are Rhizomes and can be propagated by division.

Caring Cosmos flowers

Spent flowers should be deadheaded regularly, as it keeps cosmos in bloom for many weeks.
Overfertilizing and overwatering reduces the flower production.
Cosmos flower plants are drought tolerant but water Cosmos plants during long dry spells.
After the plants die after the first frost, remove them, and keep as compost, which helps as mulch for the next year plants.

The Flower Expert

Tags: , genus cosmos, Cosmos, yellow cosmos, chocolate cosmos

The plants to grow if you are a beginner

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 12:13:58 GMT

The plants to grow if you are a beginner

A lack of confidence and gardening knowledge means that a third of us don't make the most of our garden, according to a new survey.

Nearly half of people buy plants based purely on colour, scent and shape, while one in four aren't seeking advice at garden centres and nurseries, the PlantforLife survey found.

With this in mind, the Horticultural Trades Association is launching a new Plant Advice Guide to help budding gardeners find out what they need to know to create the garden they want.

Topics covered in an easy-to-use format include testing your soil type, as well as descriptions, pictures and suitable growing details for a range of popular plants. Here are a few growing details of some of the plants that beginners may want to incorporate: l Californian lilac (ceanothus): Flower colour: blue, pink and white; free draining soil (not suitable for chalky soil); likes full sun, grows up to 3m. Plant in March/April and October/ November. Flowering time is April-June.

l Cosmos: Tough and resilient, flowering late into the season. Flower colour: pink, white, chocolate brown. Likes fertile, light, very well-drained soils when planted in the garden. Avoid clay. Plant in full sun. Grows to 30cm. Plant in April to June for flowering June/July to November.

l Dahlia: The national flower of Mexico revels in sunny weather. Flower colour: pastels to bright primary colours. Likes fertile, light, very well drained soils when planted in the garden and universal compost when in a pot. Put it in a sunny, open spot. Height varies from 30cm upwards, as does the spread. Plant it in April-June.l Juniper: Its evergreen, woolly appearance provides an excellent foil for surrounding flowering plants. Flower colour: yellow/green. Toleratesa wide range of soil conditions. Prefers a sunny position, doesn't really like shade. Varies in height from 75cm to 25m. Plant in March/April and October/November.

l Juniper: Its evergreen, woolly appearance provides an excellent foil for surrounding flowering plants. Flower colour: yellow/green. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions. Prefers a sunny position, doesn't really like shade. Varies in height from 75cm to 25m. Plant in March/April and October/November.

l Lavender: Perfect for dry conditions and attractive to bees. Flower colour: various shades of blue, pink and white. Will tolerate dry, poor soils but must be free-draining. Put it in a sunny, warm, south-facing spot. Height and spread 30-50cm. Plant in October-March for flowering May-July.

11:21am Monday 14th May 2007

Cosmos are great for beginners

Juniper, another easy plant to grow

Lavender, a must for all gardens and easy to grow

http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/display.var.1396405.0.0.php

Tags: cosmos, junipers, lavender, dalhia

When Can I Plant Cosmos

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 06:15:23 GMT

When Can I Plant Cosmos

The central rule of thumb is to plant after the last day of expected frost in your area. Remember, cosmos are annuals and are frost sensitive. A few days too early can mean the difference between a beautiful flower garden....and a disaster.

Planting Zone Map

Learn what planting zone you live in:

Knowing your planting zone can be very useful when your are planning your garden and flower bed areas.

When you order plants online or through a catalog it is very useful for you to know what will have the best success in your zone.

Most plants are marked with a zone number. Use this map to know what plants will do best in your zone.

****************************

USDA PLANTING ZONE MAP

Using the Zone Map is really very simple. Find your geographic location on the map. Observe the corresponding color to that location. Look at the map key. That number designates the zone in which you live.

You should select products that can survive in yourzone. Simply read the item description and you will find a either a zone number or a range of zones. The lower of the the two zone numbers tells you the lowest recommended zone in which that plant can survive. Sometimes, an item will thrive outside that zone area. Remember this is only a guide.

For more information visit:

Indicator Plant Examples Listed by Zone

Plant Hardiness Zones, Details

From: Plant Power

AVERAGE DATES OF FIRST AND LAST FROST
NOTE: The dates below are for the Northern Hemisphere
(Adjust appropriately for Southern Hemisphere)

Zone 1
Average dates Last Frost = 1 Jun / 30 Jun
Average dates First Frost = 1 Jul / 31 Jul Note: Vulnerable to frost 365 days per year

Zone 2
Average dates Last Frost = 1 May / 31 May
Average dates First Frost = 1 Aug / 31 Aug

Zone 3
Average dates Last Frost = 1 May / 31 May
Average dates First Frost = 1 Sep / 30 Sep

Zone 4
Average dates Last Frost = 1 May / 30 May
Average dates First Frost = 1 Sep / 30 Sep

Zone 5
Averagedates Last Frost = 30 Mar / 30 Apr
Average dates First Frost = 30 Sep / 30 Oct

Zone 6
Average dates Last Frost = 30 Mar / 30 Apr
Average dates First Frost = 30 Sep / 30 Oct

Zone 7
Average dates Last Frost = 30 Mar / 30 Apr
Average dates First Frost = 30 Sep / 30 Oct

Zone 8
Average dates Last Frost = 28 Feb / 30 Mar
Average dates First Frost = 30 Oct / 30 Nov

<FONTSIZE=4>Zone 9
Average dates Last Frost = 30 Jan / 28 Feb
Average dates First Frost = 30 Nov / 30 Dec

Zone 10
Average dates Last Frost = 30 Jan or before
Average dates First Frost = 30 Nov / 30 Dec

Zone 11
Free of Frost throughout the year.

Best of the Home

Tags: Planting zones, plant hardiness zones, maps

Seed Catalogs

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 05:56:05 GMT

Seed Catalogs

Below is a list of various seed catalogs that I have used over the years. This is only a partial list and if you browse you'll find many many more. It is just that I am familiar with and have done business with these companies in the past.

BURPEE

Burpee's Cosmos Page

The Burpee company was founded in Philadelphia in 1876 by an 18 year-old with a passion for plants and animals and a mother willing to lend him $1000 dollars of "seed money" to get started in business. Within 25 years he had developed the largest, most progressive seed company in America. By 1915 we were mailing a million catalogues a year to America's gardeners.

HARRIS SEEDS

Since 1879, Harris Seeds has been providing gardeners the very best in flower seeds, vegetable seeds, plants and supplies. Today, we continue that dedication with our easy to use website. Welcome!

STOKES SEEDS

Welcome to our new e-commerce web site. Stokes Seeds is a distributor of flower, vegetable, herb and perennial seeds as well as many garden accessories to customers throughout North America. What makes Stokes Seeds unique is our focus on quality garden seed and extensive growing information. Unlike most other seed companies we sell to both home gardeners and commercial growers. This gives us the advantage that no order is too small or too big.

PARK SEEDS

Providing Gardeners with Vegetable Seeds, Perennial Seeds, Flower Seeds, & Seed Starters for the American Garden Since 1868.

GURNEY'S SEED & NURSERY CO.

Offering catalog and online ordering. From Yankton, South Dakota

Thompson and Morgan Seed Catalog

The history of horticulture in the UK is bench-marked with names that have become famous. Among the companies that have founded the country's seed industry a few names still survive, although their independence has been surrendered. Yet, as one of the oldest firms in the business, Thompson & Morgan retains both its identity and its reputation for innovation and quality. It all began in a small garden behind a baker's shop in Tavern Street, Ipswich, tended by William Thompson, the baker's son. He started work by helping his father but, stricken with ill-health, he began studying botany and passionately cultivated the garden at the back of the shop in Ipswich, Suffolk, England. He was soon to acquire the name of the 'baker botanist'. From the back garden he moved to a nursery at the edge of Ipswich and then to an even larger one. Eventually there were three Thompson nurseries in the town and William began to publish a magazine called 'The English Flower Garden'.

JOHNNY'S SEEDS

Visit our farm at Foss Hill Road in Albion, Maine, a farm community 10 miles east of Waterville, Maine.

Our trial fields are open to guests for self-guided tours from July through September.

WILD SEED FARMS

Ann absolute must site to visit for superb Cosmos seed as well as a tremendous selection of wildflower seeds.

NEW ENGLAND SEED COMPANY

Welcome to New England Seed Co./Carolina Seeds online store!
WHILE WE STRIVE TO MAKE THIS SITE A GREAT SHOPPING EXPERIENCE, PLEASE USE OUR SEARCH MENU ON THE LOWER LEFT IF YOU CANNOT FIND A VARIETY FROM OUR 2007 CATALOG EASILY!

Tags: Cosmos seed catologs, Burpee's Seeds, Park's Seeds, Gurney's Seeds, Harris Seeds, Stokes Seeds, Johnny;s Selected Seeds, Thompson and Morgan, Wild Seed Farms

Cosmos Pictures

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 13:16:38 GMT

Cosmos Pictures

Pink/Maroon Light Purple Light Pink White DarkRed

White Pink White Purple Orange Pink Purple

Purple White Yellow White Dark Purple Pink Maroon

Dark Red Chocolate Candy Striped

Tags: Cosmos Pictures

Garden Tools for Cosmos

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 13:00:38 GMT

Garden Tools for Cosmos

You will also need a small selection of garden tools for your flower bed. This is one area that I don't believe in buying these cheap, flimsy tools. You save more money in the long run by purchasing tools that are sturdy and of superior quality.

Your tools should include the usual large ones, plus a set of the smaller hand varieties. I find both come in quite handy and each has a particular use at a particular time.

Garden Tools ~ quality gardening tools are a good investment

Now you can have the benefits of working with garden tools designed for professionals. Heavy duty, high-grade materials used in gardening tools for landscapers, arborists and professional gardeners mean your tools will last longer and perform better.

Good quality garden tools are a wise investment for all gardeners from novices to master gardeners. With proper care and maintenance your garden tools will last a long time, if not a lifetime. Start with the basic gardening tools and build your collection as you gain experience and as your garden grows.

Basic garden tool set:

spading fork
round-end shovel
rake
garden shears or pruners
hoe

Gardening Trends

Before digging into the garden make sure you have the right tools

Digging around in your garden is not exactly brain surgery, but like surgeons, every gardener should have the right tool for the right job.

Some may say that a shovel is just a shovel, but an expert in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences points out that real gardeners need a spade -- and about four other essential gardening implements.

"These days there are catalogs and stores with very specialized equipment, but many gardeners really just need some basic tools," says J. Robert Nuss, professor of ornamental horticulture. "Once you have a solid set of tools, then you can branch out into specialty equipment."

Nuss recommends five basic tools:

A long-handled spade. This tool is designed for digging. The blade is straight and set at an angle so it cuts easily into the soil. "A spade is not a shovel," Nuss explains. "A shovel is designed like a scoop and is used to move material from one place to another."

A spading fork. This tool has flat, square tines and is used for moving heavy soil. "Spading forks are invaluable for preparing soil in the spring and harvesting some types of vegetables in the fall," Nuss says. "Don't confuse it with a pitchfork, which has rounded, slender tines and is used to move straw or compost." - see other side

A steel rake.These large rakes are used to break up clay, to smooth out soil and to rake in fertilizers. "If the garden is large, get a wide, heavy rake," Nuss says. "It wouldn't hurt to have a wide leaf rake for lawn work."

A hoe. Hoes are used to form rows, cover seeds, move soil, cut out weeds and make holes for planting seedlings. "Hoes come in all types and sizes, but most gardeners don't need heavy ones," Nuss says. "The most versatile hoes are dual-purpose models, with a triangular cutting head on one side and a cultivating tool with three tines on the other side."

A hand trowel. Any hand tool that makes gardening more efficient is an invaluable addition to the homeowner's arsenal of tools. "Hand tools are best for marking rows, weeding, making furrows and moving small plants," Nuss says.

Nuss says when it comes to gardening, choosing a big tool isn't necessarily better. "Heavy tools are fine for big people, but if you are short on size or energy, pick smaller tools," he explains. "The same logic applies to picking the best handle length. Tools are extensions of the body and should be used for extra leverage or reach when pulling or cutting."

Nuss advises using heavy-handled tools for moving soil and heavy material. For weeding and cultivation jobs, he recommends using a tool with a lightweight handle.

Old House Web

** I also highly recommend a good pair of garden gloves as well **

Tags: Shovel, Trowel, Spade, Hoe, Garden Gloves, Garden Equipment, Rake, Cultivator

A Small Bit of Cosmos Flower History

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 05:12:08 GMT

A Small Bit of Cosmos Flower History

Cosmos Flower History - Cosmos flower history states that it is a popular flowering plant grows and blooms twice a year. It is 3-6 ft tall plant and if cosmos flower history is to be believed it attracts visitors from nearby and far off places to see glorious and profuse blooming of poppies in spring season and autumn season. This means that cosmos glower history has witnessed blooming of these flowers every year from April to June and September to mid- October.

Cosmos picking event after the season has marked an important note in the cosmos flower history. During this event people try to pick as many cosmos flowers as possible. Originating from Mexico, ‘cosmos’ is derived from the Greek and stands for a universe that is balanced in order and regularity. This is equally fitting in the case of flowering plants where regularity and order is widely observed. These flowers became popular in early part of the twentieth century when there are no blooms till fall.

Cosmos flower history tells that these flowers bloom once during a season that is twice in a year – spring and fall. It flourishes in sunny locations and blossoms come in all shades of deep pink to white. Hence, it makes nice cut flower.

Cosmos flower history also tells tales of a movie being made in the name of these flowers. ‘Remembering the Cosmos Flower’ is the movie in question and comes under the classification of message movie and psychological drama. The movie made waves in Canada and Japan and earned rare reviews from the critics.

Directed by Junichi Suzuki the movie marks an impression in the cosmos flower history. It is a poignant story of a courageous school girl, Akiko Sonoda, whose youth is aborted by the dreaded AIDS virus, which is rarely discussed in Japan. Akkio is injured in a car accident in her village to which she returns after spending sometime with her parents in South America. She contracts AIDS through a blood transfusion. AKkio’s best friend finds it difficult to reconcile with the situation and so do other classmates at school. Akkio’smother never gives up and tries to bring cheer and respect to Akkio whose health keeps declining everyday.

Cosmos flower history dates the blooming of flowers in Japan during the spring season. They appear lovely and their colors carry special meaning to their bloom. For instance, red color signifies a maiden having pure heart, while white color signifies a maiden having purity and innocence. Red and white signify a maiden having sincerity.

Cosmos flower history has wide patronage in Japan and neighboring country of India. Order and regulation is what appealed to the Japanese and to US. This they might have learnt from cosmos flower history itself.

Flower Varities Guide

Tags: Cosmos history, Mexico

How to Grow Cosmos

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 05:27:47 GMT

How to Grow Cosmos

Annual, Cosmos

If you are a new gardener, Cosmos are a great plant to start with. Fast growing, there is little that can go wrong with this tall growing plant. Cosmos are native to Central America and Mexico. They grow quickly to a height of 4-5 feet. Brightly colored single or double flowers include white, pink, orange,yellow, and scarlet.

Cosmos look great at the back of the garden and in informal arrangements.

Propagation:

Cosmos are grown from large seeds, making them easy to plant. They germinate quickly and never stop from there, normally growing four to five feet in a season.

Sow directly into the garden just before the last frost in your area. Space plants 12 inches apart and thin to 18 inches.

While most Cosmos are annuals, there are perennial varieties. Perennial varieties are Rhizomes and can also be propagated by division.

How to Grow:

Cosmos prefer full sun to partial shade. They will do well in both average and poor soils. They are tolerant dry soil conditions. Add a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a season.

Taller plants mayrequire staking. However, this can be avoided if planted in an area protected from the wind.

Insect and Disease:

Insects and disease problems are very rare for Cosmos. If problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.

gardner's net

Cosmos give you a big bang for your buck. Growing carefree from seed, these annuals (meaning they grow just one year) fill a flowerbed with color and are great cut flowers. Cosmos grow anywhere from 1 foot to 3 feet high, depending on the variety.

Instructions

STEP 1: Check out your local garden center in spring for cosmos seeds and seedlings. Because they're so fast and easy to grow from seed, however, many nurseries don't carry them as seedlings.

STEP 2: Choose either Cosmos bipinnatus, which has feathery foliage and large daisy-like flowers in all the ranges of white, pink and red, or Cosmos sulphureus, which has smallerflowers in more brilliant, sunset hues and is drought-resistant. (Cosmos also reseed easily.)

STEP 3: Plant indoors four to six weeks before your region's average last frost date to get earliest bloom. Otherwise, plant outdoors directly in the soil after the last frost date, 8 inches apart in full sun in average soil.

STEP 4: Trim spent blooms to encourage a longer bloom period.

STEP 5: Pull out plants, and discard in fall once frost kills them.

Tips & Warnings

Cosmos require moderate to little water.
Plant cosmos in groups of at least a dozen to take advantage of their wildflower-like effect.
Cosmos don't thrive in overly rich soil. They'll produce lots of tall foliage but fewer flowers.

ehow.com

Tags: Cosmos, propagation, diseases, pest, soil preparation, how to grow

Candy Stripe Cosmos

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 03:26:27 GMT

Cosmos bipinnatus 'Candy Stripe'

Bunches of daisy-like flowers and graceful feathery foliage make them a delight in both color and texture. Attactive to birds and butterflies, they are available in two species. Cosmos bipinnatus come in pink, rose, red, white, lavender and bicolors, and Cosmos sulfureus in yellow, orange and scarlet orange. Some varieties of this fast-grower have semi-double flowers, rolled quilled petals or bicolor striped colors. Use 3- to 6-foot tall plants as background, or in wild or naturalistic gardens. Dwarf forms, 1 to 2 feet tall, are good for containers. Excellent cut flowers. Considered drought resistant, Cosmos grows best in full sun, but will grow well and flower earlier in poor, fairly dry soils. Easy to grow from seed, they seed themselves. Do not over-fertilize, unless you want lush plants with few flowers. Tall varieties require stalking. Nearly pest-free, but watch for borers or fungal diseases.

Attributes - Cosmos bipinnatus 'Candy Stripe'

Plant Type: Annual

Bloom Season: Early Summer through Mid Fall

Flower Color: Pink, White

Height: 3 ft. to 4 ft.

Width: 2 ft.

Sunlight: Full Sun

Here is a must visit website SunnyGardens.com

It not only is super packed with information on all types of plants, shrubs and trees, but also has a discussion forum. Wonderful site!

Notes: Cut Flowers, Long Blooming, Showy Flowers. Susceptible to Aphids, Beetles, Powdery Mildew, Root Rot, Spider Mites.

Tags: Cosmos bipinnatus Candy Stripe, Aphids, Beetles, Powdery Mildew, Root Rot, Spider Mites, Sunny Garden dot com

Double Cosmos

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 13:25:09 GMT

Double Cosmos

Here is a delight I discovered, a variety of double flowering cosmos.

Flower

Half Hardy Annual

Flowers: Summer to Autumn

Height: 40 inches

Position: Full Sun

Ideal For: Border, Cottage Garden

The best quality, award winning, double and semi double mixed Cosmos ever! A colourful blend, including rosy-red, white and pink shades. Ideal planted in small drifts, adding height and colour to cottage and annual borders. Height: 90-100cm (36-40 inches).

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost, 45cm (18in) apart.

Prefers a sunny position in light, well-drained soil.

* These are available through Thomson-Morgan Seeds

http://seeds.thompson-morgan.com/us/en/product/gww4288/1

and through Burpee Seeds

Tags: double cosmos