Cosmos Little Ladybirds - Renee's Garden

Cosmos sulphureus

Butterfly Cosmos

These beautifully different Little Ladybird Cosmos are carefree bloomers with jaunty, sparkling, semi-double flowers on short, open branching plants that spread as wide as they are tall. The bright colored blossoms shine in wonderful crayola orange, clear butter yellow and rich scarlet. No pastels here, just warm sunny colors on pretty plants that attract butterflies like magnets and fill patio containers and summer beds and borders with cheerful season-long charm.

Seed Count: Approx. 55 - 60 / Weight: 0.5 g 

ANNUAL

Summer/fall bloom

Frost tender

TO PLANT OUTDOORS

Sow seeds directly into well worked garden soil in full sun once all danger of frost is past. Space seeds 2 to 3 inches apart and cover about 1/4 inch deep. Seedlings will emerge in 5 to 10 days. Keep well weeded and watered.

TO START EARLY INDOORS

Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost. Cover 1/4 inch deep, keep moist and provide a good light source. Plant outdoors once weather warms up after gradually acclimating seedlings to outdoor conditions. Thin or transplant 4 to 5 inches apart when seedlings are large enough to handle.

GROWING NOTES

Little Ladybirds are quick to bloom, carefree and non-fussy. Use instead of dwarf marigolds in sunny containers or planters, or to line a garden path. The brilliant warm colors and clean fern-like foliage combine beautifully with other heat-tolerant flowers. Feed and water regularly especially if planting in patio pots.