Cosmos 'Bright Lights'

Bright Lights Mix Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus 'Bright Lights Mix')

Bright Lights Mix cosmos dazzles with a fiery palette of gold, orange, and scarlet blooms that bring warmth and vibrancy to garden borders, cutting gardens, or mixed beds. Its shorter, bushier habit makes it perfect for the middle or front of a border, adding cheerful bursts of colour and a lively, textured presence. This striking mix pairs beautifully with deep blues and purples, such as Blue Boy Cornflower, or soft pastel cosmos, creating a romantic yet bold contrast that delights the eye.

Also known as Mexican Aster, Bright Lights Mix attracts bumblebees, birds, and other beneficial pollinators, filling the garden with gentle movement and life. Its natural drought tolerance and easy-going growth habit make it ideal for a variety of soils, including drier garden spots or xeriscaping. Prolific and charming, Bright Lights Mix cosmos adds fiery elegance, texture, and cheerful energy to every floral display and bouquet.

DETAILS:

QTY: 25

HEIGHT: 24-36”

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full sun

DEPTH: Cover Lightly

GERMINATION: 7-10 days at 20-22°C
 
MATURITY: 75 - 90 Days

SPACING: 12"

PINCH: 12"

HOW TO GROW:

Transplanting (recommended): Sow seeds into seedling containers 5–7 weeks before your average last frost date, covering seeds lightly with fine soil or vermiculite. Keep moist and provide good light. Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

Direct Seeding (alternative): Sow seeds directly outdoors after your last frost date, once the soil temperature is consistently above 16∘C. Cover seeds lightly with soil.

Soil & Fertilizing
Cosmos thrive in well-draining soil and actually prefer poor to average soil conditions. Rich soil or excessive fertilizer will encourage lush foliage at the expense of flowers. For best blooms, avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. If needed, a light application of a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer (such as 5-10-10) once or twice during the season is sufficient. Overfeeding will result in fewer flowers and leggy plants. These low-maintenance blooms are happiest when neglected a little—just be sure the soil doesn't stay soggy.

Pinching: Pinching back young cosmos plants encourages branching, leading to more flowers and a bushier plant habit. Simply snip off the top inch or two of the main stem once the plant has developed a few sets of true leaves. Tall varieties may also benefit from some wind protection or staking as they grow.

Harvesting/Vase Life: Individual cosmos blooms typically last 4-6 days in a vase. However, each stem is loaded with multiple blossoms that will open sequentially over about a week. For the longest vase life, harvest stems when the flowers are just beginning to unfurl but haven't fully opened. This helps to prevent insect pollination, which can shorten their lifespan. Using a floral preservative in the vase water is recommended.