Cosmos 'Cups and Saucers'

Cups & Saucers Mix Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus 'Cups & Saucers Mix')

Cups & Saucers Mix cosmos enchants with a delightful blend of traditional daisy-shaped blooms and the whimsical, uniquely shaped “Cupcake” flowers. Sweetly coloured petals create a soft, charming display that stretches from summer into autumn, bringing continuous beauty and lightness to garden borders, cutting gardens, or rustic cottage beds. Tall, slender stems sway gracefully in the breeze, adding a floaty, airy quality that complements soft apricot zinnias, pale lavender cosmos, or creamy amaranths, while contrasting gently with deeper shades such as burgundy hollyhocks or magenta cosmos.

Also known as Mexican Aster, this alluring mix attracts bumblebees and other beneficial pollinators, infusing the garden with gentle activity and movement. Its playful shapes, delicate textures, and romantic hues make Cups & Saucers Mix cosmos perfect for whimsical, vintage-inspired gardens or enchanting bouquets, adding charm, volume, and endlessly delightful character to every floral composition.

DETAILS:

QTY: 25

TYPE: Annual
 
SITE: Full sun

DEPTH: Cover Lightly

GERMINATION: 7-10 days at 20-22°C

HEIGHT: 36 - 48"

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.