Taking care of potted cosmos can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience . These beautiful flowers add a vibrant touch to any garden or patio . To ensure their health and longevity , it ’s important to put up the right conditions and give them right precaution .
1 . Select the ripe pot : Choose a pot that has drain cakehole to prevent water from accumulating and causing tooth root rot . A tidy sum with a diameter of at least 12 column inch is recommended to allow enough outer space for the cosmos to rise .
2 . Soil readying : expend a well - run out potting mix that is rich in organic topic . forefend heavy soils that retain too much moisture , as this can guide to root rot . you could also bring perlite or moxie to improve drain .
3 . sun requirements : Cosmos thrive in full sun atmospheric condition , so place your potted cosmos in an expanse that receives at least 6 - 8 hours of direct sunshine per sidereal day . However , in extremely hot climate , they can permit partial shade to protect them from scorching heat .
4 . Watering : world prefer dry , arid shape , so it ’s crucial not to overwater them . Allow the top inch of grime to dry out between watering , and then water the industrial plant thoroughly until water drain out of the bottom of the hatful . Avoid set out the foliation wet , as this can lead to disease .
5 . Fertilization : Cosmos are not overweight confluent , but you may give them a balanced , slow - release fertilizer once every 4 - 6 week during the spring up time of year . Be cautious not to over - fertilize , as this can leave in extravagant foliage ontogeny at the expense of flowers .
6 . Deadheading : To boost uninterrupted blooming , remove spend flowers by swipe or cut back them off . This prevents the plant from diverting zip into seed production and promotes the development of newfangled blooms .
7 . Support : Depending on the variety and size of your potted cosmos , you may demand to provide musical accompaniment . Tall cosmos variety can benefit from stake or cages to prevent them from toppling over in strong winds .
8 . Pest and disease dominance : Cosmos are generally resistive to pests and diseases . However , keep an eye out for aphid , bullet , and snails , which can occasionally be a problem . If necessary , use organic pest control method acting to conduct with these pests .
9 . Overwintering : In colder mood , cosmos are typically grown as annual . However , if you need to overwinter them , you could bring the pots indoors before the first frost . order them in a coolheaded , well - lit area , such as a basement or garage , and reduce watering . In spring , you’re able to reintroduce them outside once the peril of frost has passed .
Personal experience : I have develop pot cosmos in my garden for several years and have establish them to be comparatively low - maintenance flora . They tot up a burst of color and pull pollinators like butterflies and bee . One tip I have memorise is to avoid overcrowding the pots , as this can go to poor air circulation and increase the risk of diseases . with proper guardianship and attention , potted cosmos can expand and provide a arresting display of flower throughout the grow time of year .
Caroline Bates
