Cosmos 'Veloutte'

Veloutte Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus 'Veloutte')

Veloutte cosmos enchants with vintage-inspired blooms, each petal painted in deep carmine and brushed with soft creamy white streaks that evoke a sense of timeless elegance. The ruffled, expressive flowers create a dramatic focal point in summer borders, cutting gardens, or romantic cottage beds. Veloutte pairs beautifully with rich burgundy hollyhocks, soft apricot zinnias, or delicate lavender cosmos, adding depth and sophistication to a palette of whimsical, rustic charm.

Also known as Veloute or Mexican Aster, this captivating variety attracts bumblebees and other beneficial pollinators, filling the garden with gentle activity and life. Its bold yet refined blooms provide a sense of movement and texture, standing out amidst airy fillers and soft foliage. Perfect for lovers of drama, vintage hues, and subtly romantic gardens, Veloutte cosmos brings an enduring touch of enchantment and artistry to any 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.