Cosmos bipinnatus 'Casanova Pink' (Casanova Series)
cosmos
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- Seed Packets (only) £2.95
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Average
- Hardiness: Half-hardy annual
A compact, bushy annual prized for its profusion of pink blooms throughout the summer. This semi-dwarf cultivar reaches around 40cm tall, with finely divided feathery bright green foliage on branching upright stems. Abundant saucer-shaped flowers up to 8cm (3in) wide feature dark pink petals with a contrasting yellow centre. A prolific flowering plant, 'Casanova Pink' makes an excellent border plant or container specimen, and its vibrant pink blossoms on tidy mounded foliage also work well as cut flowers. If left to naturalise, this free-flowering cosmos will happily reseed itself for continued enjoyment.
Grow on under glass and plant out once all risk of frost has passed. Pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushier growth, and feed at regular intervals with a high-potash fertiliser throughout summer. Plants may need supporting brushwood stems in exposed positions.
In early spring, sow seed shallowly in seed trays and keep under glass, transplanting them into individual pots when large enough to handle. Harden off before planting outside after the frosts. Alternatively, sow in-situ in mid- to late spring in a well-prepared bed and thin the seedlings out as they grow to allow approximately 30cm between each.