Cosmos are a beautiful tall, annual plant for the garden which produce a multitude of blooms in many colours.
![cosmosclump1a](https://craftygardener.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/cosmosclump1a.jpg)
They prefer full sun and rich soil. Cosmos are the perfect plant for the back of the garden. Each year I grow these plants from seed that I have saved the previous year. They will also self seed and I will find surprise plants growing in various places of the garden.
![cosmos2007a](https://craftygardener.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/cosmos2007a.jpg)
Deadheading the flowers keeps them in continual bloom from July to first frost.
![cosmoswhite1a](https://craftygardener.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/cosmoswhite1a.jpg)
At the end of the growing season let the spent flowers go to seed. When dry you can harvest the seeds, let them dry, and store them for next year. I also leave some flower heads on the plant and the birds will enjoy the seeds. The goldfinches love the seedheads and will be there quickly to eat them up.
![cosmosgoldfinch1a](https://craftygardener.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/cosmosgoldfinch1a.jpg)
Plant seeds outside after the last frost or inside about 3 to 4 weeks before outside planting.
![](https://craftygardener.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/seedcosmos02a.jpg)
Cover with about 1/4 inch of soil.
![cosmos seeds](https://craftygardener.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/seedcosmos03.jpg)
![orange cosmos seed at craftygardener.ca](https://craftygardener.ca/wp-content/uploads/seedorangecosmos4.jpg)
The seedlings transplant easily so you can start them in pots and then pick the spot in your garden. Seeds germinate in 5 to 10 days. I use an old fork to lift and separate the seedlings. I usually try to transplant them after a watering or a rain.
![](https://craftygardener.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/seedlingcosmos1.jpg)
Last year I grew some gorgeous orange cosmos and collected the seed. I’m hoping for some more of these gorgeous blooms this year.
![cosmos2012bb](https://craftygardener.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/cosmos2012bb.jpg)
If you are a seed collector you can print a seed packet or seed label to swap your seeds in.
![garden printables at craftygardener.ca](https://craftygardener.ca/wp-content/uploads/packetcosmos1.jpg)
![garden](https://craftygardener.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/garden.gif)
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