Growing Cosmos on Our Flower Farm
A Season of Lessons, Small Wins, and Second Chances
Cosmos and I have a complicated relationship. Some years I grow a lot. Other years I skip them entirely and swear I will focus on something more predictable. This past season I brought them back to the field with high hopes and it turned into a true learning experience. Not a disaster, just one of those seasons that keeps you humble.
Our first succession went in at the end of May. I thought the timing was fine, but the weather had other ideas. We had almost no rain and the temperatures swung from cool to hot overnight. The plants never settled in. They sat there for weeks, refusing to take off.
Looking back, I can see exactly why. This was a brand new row. Our soil is naturally sandy and I had not added any amendments yet. The combination of poor soil structure and stressful weather left them stuck.
After trying to nurse them along longer than I should have, I finally cut them back and decided to start over. It felt a little painful at the time. But honestly, it was the right call.
Before replanting, I added about three inches of soil to the row. The change was obvious right away. The new seedlings looked happier from day one. Steady temperatures helped too. It was one of those moments where you say, I should have done that from the start.
For varieties, I grew a mix of Afternoon White and White Fizz. They are very similar in appearance, so there is no real need to grow both. It just happened to be what I had on hand. I also planted Double Click Cranberry, which always shines in Fall bouquets. That dark berry color adds so much depth in arrangements during the last stretch of the season.
Since I restarted them midseason, I did not get as many cuts as I would have liked before frost arrived. Still, some is better than none. And the blooms we did harvest were beautiful. Most importantly, there were solid lessons learned that will shape how we grow cosmos from now on.
Next season I am moving cosmos to later plantings when both the air and soil have warmed up. I want the conditions to support strong early growth instead of putting them through stressful swings right after transplanting.
We also have a much better irrigation plan in place for next season. Between more consistent water and improved soil, I expect a smoother experience. Or at least far fewer dramatic moments.
Cosmos may test my patience, but I keep coming back to them. Their airy stems, soft petals, and the movement they bring to arrangements are worth the effort. This year reminded me that sometimes a second start is all a crop needs. And sometimes a second start is what the farmer needs too.
If you are growing cosmos and feeling defeated by them, you are not alone. They can be both joyful and maddening. But with the right timing, better soil, and a little grace, they can also become a field favorite.
