WHAT VARIETY AM I GETTING? You're getting the heirloom Sea Shells Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus), a unique variety known for its distinctive tubular, quilled petals that add texture and elegance to flower beds, borders, cottage gardens, and fresh-cut bouquets. WHAT COLORS CAN I EXPECT? Enjoy a vibrant mix of crimson, rose, pink, and white blooms measuring 3 to 4 inches across. Sea Shells Cosmos flowers continuously from summer through fall, providing long-lasting color and beautiful fresh-cut bouquets. IS IT EASY TO GROW? Yes. Sea Shells Cosmos is beginner friendly and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. Direct sow after the last spring frost or start indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date. Seeds typically germinate within 5 to 10 days under ideal conditions. HOW DO I PLANT THE SEEDS? Sow seeds ⅛ to ¼ inch deep and space plants 12 to 18 inches apart. Proper spacing encourages healthy growth, sturdy stems, abundant blooms, and improved air circulation throughout the season. HOW DO I CARE FOR THE PLANTS? Once established, this variety requires minimal maintenance. Avoid excessive fertilizer to encourage more flowers instead of foliage, remove spent blooms to promote continuous flowering, and provide good airflow to help reduce the risk of powdery mildew. WHERE DOES IT GROW BEST? It performs well in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 through 11 and thrives in flower beds, borders, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, meadows, and large containers. Once established, it is heat and drought tolerant while attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. WHAT COMES IN THE PACKAGE? Each packet includes approximately 600 heirloom, non-GMO, open-pollinated Sea Shells Cosmos seeds with planting instructions to help you grow healthy, vibrant flowers and save seeds for future seasons.
