Cupcakes Blush – Cosmos Seed

Novel cosmos resemble fluted cupcake wrappers.
Cupcakes Blush is as showy as Double Click with lighter-weight blooms held upright on stems. The light-colored, finely pleated blooms float above the foliage, reminding us of Degas’ paintings of ballerinas. A small percentage of flowers have lovely, tufted centers. Ht. 40-50". Avg. 4,000 seeds/oz. Packet: 50 seeds.

DAYS TO GERMINATION: 7-10 days at 68-72°F (20-22°C). When planted outside, soil temperature must be above 60°F (16°C).

SOWING: Direct seed: After last frost, once soil temperature is above 60°F (16°C), sow seed thinly in rows, barely covering the seeds. Thin when the first true leaves appear. Tall varieties may benefit from some wind protection. Transplant: Sow seed thinly, barely covering, 5-7 weeks before setting out. Keep soil moist until emergence. When the first true leaves appear transplant into larger containers. Harden off and transplant outdoors after the last frost.

LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Any soil.

PLANT SPACING: 9-12". Wider spacing creates stronger, thicker stems.

HARDINESS ZONES: Annual.

HARVEST: Fresh: Harvest when petals on the first flower are just opening, but not yet flattened. Deadheading is required to have blooms all summer.

USES: Excellent cut flowers. Beds, containers, and mass plantings.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cosmos bipinnatus