Sulphur Cosmos Seeds - Crest Orange

Sulphur Cosmos Seeds - Crest Orange

Overview:
Sulphur Cosmos Seeds - Crest Orange is a vibrant, easy-to-grow sunflower variety that will brighten up any garden. Known for its striking orange blooms with a golden center, this variety offers a cheerful and bold pop of color in flower beds, borders, and floral arrangements. With its hardy nature and minimal care requirements, it's ideal for both beginners and seasoned gardeners.

Key Benefits:

• Vibrant Color: Features bright, fiery orange petals with a yellow center, making it a standout in any garden or bouquet.
• Ideal for Cut Flowers: Produces long-lasting, vibrant blooms on strong, straight stems, perfect for floral arrangements.
• Low Maintenance: Hardy and easy to grow, perfect for gardeners of all skill levels.
• Self-Branching: This variety naturally branches without staking, producing multiple flowers per plant for a fuller look.
• High Yield: The vigorous growth results in a bountiful supply of bright, colorful blooms in a short time.

Variety Features:

• Plant Characteristics: Tall plants with lush green leaves and a single large bloom per stem. Flowers feature rich orange petals with a golden yellow center.
• Flower Size: Large, 6–8 inch (15–20 cm) flowers with a uniform, striking appearance.
• Growth Habit: Self-branching and low-maintenance, producing multiple blooms per plant.
• Height: Typically grows between 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 meters) 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. Best grown in warm-season gardening, between 70°F–85°F (21°C–29°C).
• Planting Details:
  • Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep.
  • Spacing: Space seeds or plants 12–18 inches apart.
  • Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
  • Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal growth.

Care Instructions:

• Watering: While drought-tolerant, regular watering, especially during flowering, promotes healthy growth. Water deeply once a week or more frequently during hot, dry conditions.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting and again as plants start blooming to encourage strong growth and vibrant flowers.
• Weeding and Mulching: Keep the area free of weeds that may compete for nutrients. Apply mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.
• Pest and Disease Control: While resistant to most pests, monitor for aphids and sunflower beetles. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed. They are also susceptible to rust and powdery mildew in humid conditions, so ensure proper spacing for good air circulation.

Harvesting:

• Maturity: Typically matures in 70–85 days depending on growing conditions.
• Harvesting Method: Harvest when flowers are fully open but before petals begin to wilt. Cut at least 12 inches (30 cm) from the base to extend the bloom's longevity.
• Storage: Sunflower blooms can be stored in a cool, dry place or refrigerated for up to a week to preserve freshness.

Culinary Uses:

• Edible Seeds: Once harvested, the seeds of the Sulphur Cosmos are edible. They can be used in cooking, baking, or as a snack.
• Topping for Salads or Granola: Toasted seeds are a nutritious and delicious addition to salads, granola, or trail mix.
• Bird Feed: Use the harvested seeds to feed local wildlife, attracting birds to your garden.

Conclusion:
Sulphur Cosmos Seeds - Crest Orange is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add vibrant, colorful blooms to their garden. With minimal care, these sunflowers offer a bold splash of orange color, making them perfect for both decorative garden use and cut-flower arrangements. Its self-branching nature and high yield make it an efficient and beautiful addition to your gardening efforts.