Cosmos 'Xanthos'

Xanthos Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus 'Xanthos')

Xanthos cosmos enchants with its delicate pale yellow blossoms, kissed with subtle green undertones that lend a soft, sunlit glow to any garden. Petite, ruffled flowers feature a gentle inner collar and pale throat, each bloom accented by a dark yellow eye and fringed petals with finely serrated tips. Their intricate, whimsical form adds charming dimension to cutting gardens, rustic borders, or mixed wildflower beds, creating a serene yet playful tapestry of colour. Xanthos pairs beautifully with creamy amaranths, soft apricot zinnias, or gentle lavender cosmos for a dreamy, romantic palette.

This dainty variety is exceptionally productive, rewarding generous harvests of cut flowers that elevate bouquets with texture and subtle charm. Its petite stature and airy habit make it a versatile companion among taller, bolder blooms like burgundy hollyhocks or deep purple phlox, adding lightness and elegance to dense garden compositions. Xanthos cosmos is a quietly captivating addition for lovers of delicate colour, romantic rustic gardens, and flowers that inspire repeated admiration.

DETAILS:

QTY: 25

TYPE: Annual
 
SITE: Full sun

DEPTH: Cover Lightly

GERMINATION: 7-10 days at 20-22°C

HEIGHT: 24 - 36"

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.