Cosmos Tetra Versailles Mixed

Cosmos Tetra Versailles Mixed: variety and characteristics

Cosmos Tetra Versailles Mixed (Cosmos bipinnatus) is an annual flower of the Daisy family (Asteraceae). Graceful, ethereal plants produce a sea of blooms above feathery foliage.

An excellent food source for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Perfect border plants.

Cosmos is an airy, easy and exceptionally generous flower — it blooms from July until the frosts, attracts bees and butterflies and is excellent for cutting.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 81%
• Seeds per packet: 102–138 pcs (0.8 g)
• Seed origin: China
• Sowing: March – June; direct or transplants
• Flowering: July – October
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Cosmos Tetra Versailles Mixed

Cosmos Tetra Versailles Mixed seeds are sown in March – June. The plants flower from July to October. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Cosmos Tetra Versailles Mixed

• Sowing method: direct or seedlings
• Depth: 0.5–1 cm
• Spacing: 30–40 cm
• Germination: 5–10 days at 18–24 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Sow indoors from the end of March, in a warm room or a propagator. The soil temperature should be at least 18 °C. It is important that the temperature is as constant as possible, as this ensures better germination. Make sure the temperature cannot drop at night either. Remove the cling film or lid as soon as seedlings appear. When the young seedlings are 5 - 7½ cm tall, pot them on into individual pots. At the end of May, as soon as there is no chance of night frost, let them acclimatise to outdoor temperatures for a few days. They can then be placed in their permanent position. Allow 30 cm of space per plant. From the end of May, when there is no longer any chance of night frosts, you can also sow directly in the garden. Sow thinly in rows 30 cm apart and cover the seeds with ½ cm of seed compost. Press down lightly and then keep moist. When the young seedlings are 5 - 7½ cm tall, thin to 30 cm of space per plant.

Sow directly after the last frosts. Do not fertilise — in rich soil cosmos produces leaves instead of flowers. Remove faded flowers.

Flowering and uses

Cut the flowers when the bud is just opening — they last about a week in a vase.

Frequently asked questions

When should Cosmos Tetra Versailles Mixed be sown?

The recommended months for sowing are March – June. Sowing method: direct or seedlings.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 102–138 seeds, pack size 0.8 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 81%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

Why does cosmos grow tall but not flower?

The soil is too rich or has been fertilised. Cosmos flowers best in sun, in poor soil.