Cosmos Seeds - Red Stripe

Cosmos Seeds - Red Stripe

Overview
Cosmos Seeds - Red Stripe is a stunning variety that brings a bold pop of color to your garden. With its striking red and white striped petals, this cosmos variety creates an eye-catching display that stands out in flower beds, borders, or containers. Known for its easy growth and vibrant blooms, it’s perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners who want to add a unique touch to their outdoor space.

Key Benefits

• Eye-Catching Blooms: Distinctive red and white striped petals add a bold and colorful statement to any garden.
• Perfect for Cut Flowers: The long-lasting blooms are ideal for floral arrangements, offering an attractive contrast with other flowers.
• Low Maintenance: A hardy, easy-to-grow variety that thrives with minimal care, making it suitable for both new gardeners and seasoned pros.
• Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a great addition to any wildlife-friendly garden.
• Vibrant Growth: Produces abundant blooms with a fast-growing, self-supporting plant structure.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Tall plants with slender stems and bright green foliage. Each stem produces a single large flower with bold red and white stripes.
• Flower Size: Large, 4-5 inch (10-13 cm) flowers with a striking striped appearance.
• Growth Habit: Compact and bushy, with a well-branching structure that requires no staking.
• Height: Typically grows 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) tall, depending on growing conditions.

Planting Instructions

• Planting Season: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or sow directly outdoors after the last frost date.
• Planting Details:
  • Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep.
  • Spacing: Space seeds or plants 12-18 inches apart in rows or clusters.
  • Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
  • Sunlight: Needs full sun for optimal growth and flowering.

Care Instructions

• Watering: Cosmos are drought-tolerant but benefit from regular watering, especially during flowering. Water deeply once a week or more often in hot, dry conditions.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) during planting and once the plants start to bloom for vigorous growth and abundant flowers.
• Weeding and Mulching: Keep the area around the plants free of weeds. Apply mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.
• Pest and Disease Control: Cosmos are generally pest-resistant, though they may occasionally attract aphids. Use insecticidal soap if needed. Be mindful of fungal diseases in humid conditions—good air circulation helps prevent rust and mildew.

Harvesting

• Maturity: Red Stripe Cosmos typically matures in 70–80 days, depending on growing conditions.
• Harvesting Method: Harvest flowers when they are fully open but before petals begin to wilt. Cut the stem at least 12 inches (30 cm) from the flower base to ensure longevity in arrangements.
• Storage: Store harvested flowers in a cool, dry place or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.

Culinary Uses

• Edible Flowers: Cosmos flowers, including Red Stripe, are edible and can be used to decorate dishes or added to salads.
• Petals for Garnish: Use the colorful petals to garnish cakes, desserts, or beverages for a visually striking touch.
• Bird Feed: Harvested seeds can be used as bird feed or added to homemade bird feeders.

Conclusion
Cosmos Seeds - Red Stripe is the perfect choice for gardeners looking to add unique and vibrant color to their gardens. With its eye-catching, striped blooms and low-maintenance growth, this variety is ideal for cutting, bouquets, and filling your garden with beauty. Easy to grow and a great pollinator attractant, Red Stripe Cosmos will surely stand out in your garden and floral arrangements.