Sonata offers the same attractive foliage and lovely single blooms of the larger cosmos but the plants are 2 1/2-3 feet tall. The mix includes a pristine white, a brilliant carmine red, a rose pink, and a unique bicolor with pink edges and the carmine at the center. A classic summer flower, the foliage is finely cut, and the plants branch out and bloom profusely and continually.

50 seeds

PLANTING

Cosmos bipinnatus

Annual

Germination:7-10 days

Germination Temperature:Optimum soil temperatures 70-75F.

Seed Planting Depth:Sow deep

Starting Indoors:Start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Provide 70-75F soil temperature. Transplant after the last frost,12-18 apart.

Sowing Outdoors:Direct sow outdoors after the last frost, sow a few seeds every 6″, thin 12-18″ apart.

Growth Habit:Upright, branching

Height and Width:30-36 by 18-24

Spacing:12-18 apart

Light Needs: Full sun

Soil Needs:Poor to average, well-drained, tolerates dry soil

Approximate days to flower from seed:75-90 days

Uses:Cut flowers, flower beds, containers, wildflower and cottage gardens, attracts butterflies and beneficials,

Care:Deadheading prolongs flowering, staking tall plants helps keep them upright when the plant is full of blooms. Self-seeds.