Cosmos, also known as large cosmos, is loved by flower enthusiasts for its colorful blooms and long flowering period. It is not easy to cultivate cosmos well. This article will introduce you to the cosmos maintenance methods in detail, helping you grow beautiful cosmos with ease.
Soil Selection and PreparationCosmos prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Before planting, choose soil rich in organic matter, such as leaf mold or garden soil, and ensure that the pH value of the soil is between 6.5-7.5 to meet the growth needs of cosmos.
Sowing and Planting1. Sowing Time: Cosmos seeds can be sown in spring or autumn, with spring sowing being more suitable.
2. Sowing Method: Sprinkle the seeds on the surface of the soil, cover with about 1 cm of soil, and keep the soil moist after sowing. The seeds will germinate in about 7-10 days.
3. Planting Spacing: Cosmos grows quickly, so maintain a certain spacing when planting, generally 30-40 cm apart per plant.
Watering and Fertilizing1. Watering: Cosmos prefers a moist environment but dislikes waterlogging. When watering, keep the soil moist but do not let it accumulate water. During the hot summer, you can increase the frequency of watering.
2. Fertilizing: During the growth period of cosmos, apply a compound fertilizer every 15-20 days to promote its growth. Before flowering, you can apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to promote blooming.
Light and TemperatureCosmos thrives in a well-lit environment but avoids strong direct sunlight. During the growing period, ensure at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily. In terms of temperature, cosmos grows best at 15-25℃.
Pest and Disease ControlCosmos is susceptible to pests such as aphids and red spiders. During maintenance, regularly inspect the plants and control pests and diseases in a timely manner. You can use biological pesticides or low-toxicity pesticides for spraying.
Pruning and ShapingDuring the growth of cosmos, prune withered and diseased branches in time to maintain ventilation and light penetration. You can also shape cosmos according to personal preferences, such as pruning into a ball shape or fan shape.
Harvesting and StorageAfter cosmos flowers, you can cut them for flower arrangements or dry them for storage. For drying, place the flowers in a dry and well-ventilated area, and once completely dry, store them in a sealed bag.
Cultivating cosmos is not difficult; it only requires mastering the correct maintenance methods to grow beautiful cosmos easily. I hope this article can provide help for your cosmos maintenance journey. According to the "China Flower Market Report," cosmos has a broad market prospect and is becoming the choice of more and more flower enthusiasts. Let's work together to let cosmos bloom beautifully in your garden!