Cosmos is a genus, with the same common name of cosmos, consisting of flowering plants in the sunflower family.
Cosmos are half-hardy annuals that grow, flower, set seed and die all in one year, but unlike hardy annuals, they can’t withstand low temperatures.
They’re quick and easy to grow from seed, flowering in as little as 12 weeks, and can be added to borders and pots for a burst of showy colour.
To give your cosmos as long a flowering season as possible, sow the seeds early, indoors, in March or April. Once they’ve sprouted and have two pairs of leaves, transplant into individual 7cm pots and grow on under cover.
