← Back to Plant Explorer
flowerAnnual
Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
Also known as: garden cosmos, Mexican aster
Tall airy plants with feathery foliage and daisy-like flowers in pink, white, and crimson. Easy to grow and self-sows freely.
Growing Requirements
SunFull Sun
WaterLow
Soil Type
Soil Drainage
Soil pH
Plant Spacing12–18″
Row Spacing18–24″
Planting Depth0.25″
Height36–72″
Spread12–24″
✓ Container Friendly✓ Raised Bed Friendly
Planting Schedule
Start Indoors
4–6 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow (Spring)
0–9 weeks after last frost
Transplant Outdoors
1–9 weeks after last frost
Germination
5–10 days
Days to Harvest
60–75 days
Zone Suitability
USDA Hardiness Zones
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Zones 1–13
Cannot overwinter outdoors
Thrives in poor soil — rich soil produces more foliage than flowers. Deadhead for continuous bloom. Self-sows readily.
Companion Plants
No companion data available for this plant yet.