Cosmos sulphureus Mandarin

Cosmos sulphureus 'Mandarin' is a delightful annual with a compact habit, forming a clump of finely divided leaves. Extremely floriferous, it produces large semi-double bright orange flowers throughout the summer and until the first frost. It is ideal for adding colour and vibrancy to your annual compositions, whether in borders or pots. Easy to grow and fast-growing, it simply requires a fresh, well-drained, and not-too-rich soil in full sun for good flowering.

Cosmos sulphureus 'Mandarin', also commonly known as sulphur cosmos or yellow cosmos, is an annual plant belonging to the Asteraceae family (formerly known as Compositae). Native to Central America, it is common in southern Mexico. It grows on the edges of deciduous forests up to 1500 m (4921 ft 4 in) altitude, mostly on slopes where water does not stagnate. The bright green foliage has pointed lobes cut to the central vein (the leaves are said to be pinnatisect) and is arranged in an opposite manner on long slender stems that can reach 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) in nature. These plants have an impressive floribundance: the yellow to orange flowers are produced in large quantities from mid-June to October, or even November under favourable conditions. Like all Asteraceae, these flowers are actually heads, composed of central tubular fertile flowers and ligulate flowers (the attractively notched "petals") that serve to attract insects (and gardeners!), which love them.

The 'Mandarin' variety has the same extremely long flowering period as its wild parents; its semi-double flowers are characterised by a particularly rich and invigorating orange hue. The tubular flowers in the centre are long and elegantly surmount the disc formed by the "petals". The plant is early-flowering and can sometimes bloom as early as June. Compact, it forms a round and regular clump that will not exceed 30 cm (11.8 in) in all directions, making it suitable for many situations. Furthermore, it generally does not require pinching to increase its density.

The 'Mandarin' cosmos is easy to grow in full sun: provide it with a fresh, well-drained substrate that is not too rich. Indeed, a soil that is too rich in nitrogen tends to produce etiolated plants with very green leaves but few flowers. It is preferable to remove the flowers as they fade to encourage the formation of new inflorescences throughout the summer and autumn. The substrate should not dry out too much to support harmonious growth, but be careful not to let water stagnate as the plant is sensitive to excess water. If you have seeds, you can also sow them in autumn or late winter, then transplant the young plants into pots or outdoors. To reduce the risks, wait until the last frost has passed before planting them in the ground. Choose their location carefully, as sulphur cosmos do not like to be moved once rooted.

Note: Please be aware that our young plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners. Upon receipt, transplant and store them under cover (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame... ) at a temperature above 14 °C (57.2 °F) for a few weeks before planting them outdoors once the risk of frost has definitively passed.