Cosmos 'Apricot Lemonade'

Apricot Lemonade Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus 'Apricot Lemonade')

Apricot Lemonade cosmos delights with a one-of-a-kind colour palette that begins as soft apricot with a dusty lavender reverse, gradually fading to a buttery yellow. Some blooms feature a subtle mauve ring at the throat, while the slightly separated petals evoke a whimsical pinwheel effect with delicately snipped dovetail edges. Its airy, floaty flowers bring charm and elegance to garden borders, cutting gardens, or cottage-style beds, pairing beautifully with pale lavender cosmos, soft apricot zinnias, or creamy amaranths, while providing a gentle contrast to richer burgundy or magenta blooms.

This heat-loving variety attracts bumblebees, birds, and beneficial insects, adding gentle life and movement to the garden. With prolific, long-lasting blooms, Apricot Lemonade is perfect for whimsical bouquets, romantic garden displays, or xeriscaped beds thanks to its natural drought tolerance. Its unique, playful colours and airy texture make it a standout choice for gardeners seeking subtle drama, softness, and enduring charm.

DETAILS:

QTY: 25

TYPE: Annual
 
SITE: Full sun

DEPTH: Cover Lightly

GERMINATION: 7-10 days at 20-22°C

HEIGHT: 20 - 30"

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.