Seeds

Cosmos
Plant Type: Hardy Annual
Bloom Time: Summer through Fall
Height:  3'
Exposure: Full Sun
Sow Outside:  Spring - after last frost
Sow Inside:  4-6 weeks before last frost
Seed Depth:  1/4 "
Seed Spacing:  1"
Days to Germination 5 - 10
Thinning:  When 1" -2" tall thin to 1' - 2' apart
Pressing:  Yes
Edible:  No
Native to:  Mexico
Drying:. No
Notice that the leaves on the yellow and orange cosmos are very different from the leaves on the pink, white and lavender plants. 
Cosmos flowers are easy to grow, prolific bloomers (seed producers), drought tolerant, great in bouquets and press beautifully.  Cosmos is a great plant to illustrate the seed cycle.  Frequently you will find all stages of the process, bud, flower, seed pot and seeds about to fall on the plant at the same time.  In the fall, you are likely to also have a carpet of seedlings from seeds that fell earlier in the season.

We have a multitude of cosmos plants around the school grounds for just that reason.   In addition to the orange cosmos pictured above, we also have yellow, lavender, pink and white cosmos.  When harvesting the seeds, please have the children keep the different colors separate and record the color on the container. 
 Granny's Garden School

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