Growing Cosmos Cosmic Orange Flowers in Containers

Cosmos come in several colors, including vibrant orange.

The "Cosmic Orange" variety of the cosmos flower, Cosmos sulphureus, grows double blooms with bright orange hues. The plant is hardy and grows even in poor soils. Cosmos requires full sun to reach maximum growth. The flower can grow in very high heat without wilting. All varieties of cosmos attract butterflies. Cosmos makes a good container plant for even a beginning gardener.

Things You'll Need

• Cosmos Cosmic Orange seeds
• Garden planter
• Potting soil
• Trowel
• Water

Instructions

1. Place a garden container somewhere that receives 6 hours or more of sun every day.

2. Fill the container with a type of potting soil recommended for patio or container growing.

3. Scatter cosmos seeds onto the surface of the potting soil 1 inch apart, sowing in early spring or after the last frost is over.

4. Place an additional layer of potting soil on top of the seeds so they are underground 1/16 of an inch.

5. Water lightly during the first 10 days after planting the seeds. As the cosmos matures, water only when the plant shows signs of stress, such as wilting. Too much water will make your cosmos spindly with fewer blooms.

References

• Aggie Horticulture: Cosmos Produces Cosmic Beauty
• Garden Helper: Cosmos Cosmic Orange
• Chicago's 48th Ward: Guide to Native Plants: Container Annuals