Sensation flowers, known botanically as Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Sensation Mix’, are a favored choice among gardeners. These annuals are celebrated for their vibrant blooms, making them a popular addition to various garden settings. Gardeners appreciate their ease of cultivation, a trait that contributes to their widespread appeal. The flowers also play a role in supporting garden ecosystems by attracting pollinators.
Understanding Sensation Cosmos
Sensation Cosmos grow upright, reaching mature heights of about 3 to 6 feet. Their blooms measure 3 to 6 inches wide and feature single or semi-double petals.
The color palette is diverse, encompassing various shades of pink, white, crimson, and purple. The plant’s distinctive foliage is finely cut and feathery, providing a delicate contrast to the robust blooms. Sensation Cosmos offers a long blooming season, typically gracing gardens with flowers from summer until the first frost.
Planting and Growing Sensation Cosmos
Sow Sensation Cosmos seeds after the last spring frost, when soil temperatures reach at least 60°F. Direct sowing outdoors is an effective method for these plants.
Sensation Cosmos thrive in full sun exposure, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce abundant blooms. While they can tolerate light shade, this often results in fewer flowers. The plants prefer well-draining, moderately fertile soil. Although they can adapt to average to even poor soil types, excessively rich soil can sometimes lead to more foliage and fewer flowers.
When direct sowing, seeds should be barely covered with soil, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart for proper air circulation and growth. Direct sowing is often preferred due to the plant’s rapid germination and growth, though starting seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost is an option.
Ongoing Care for Sensation Cosmos
Moderate watering is generally sufficient for Sensation Cosmos, especially during dry periods. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot and reduced blooming. Once established, cosmos are quite drought tolerant.
Sensation Cosmos has minimal fertilizing needs. Excessive nitrogen can promote lush foliage growth at the expense of flower production. If the soil is particularly poor, a light application of a balanced fertilizer, or one lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus, can be beneficial, but this should be done sparingly.
Regularly removing spent blooms, a practice known as deadheading, is important for continuous flowering. This encourages the plant to produce new buds rather than focusing energy on seed production, thereby extending the bloom period until frost. Deadheading also helps prevent unwanted self-seeding.
Taller varieties of Sensation Cosmos may benefit from staking in windy locations to prevent them from flopping over.
Common Issues and Solutions
Sensation Cosmos can face common issues. Aphids and spider mites are common pests. A strong spray of water can dislodge many of these pests, and insecticidal soap can be applied for more persistent infestations.
Fungal issues like powdery mildew can occur, often appearing as white, powdery spots on leaves. Ensuring good air circulation through proper plant spacing helps prevent this. Removing affected leaves can also limit the spread of the disease.
Leggy growth, characterized by long, stretched stems, often results from insufficient sunlight or too much nitrogen. Providing adequate light exposure and avoiding over-fertilization can prevent this. If seedlings become leggy, they can often be planted deeper when transplanted, burying part of the stem to encourage stronger growth.
A lack of blooms, with common reasons including over-fertilization, inadequate sunlight, or neglecting to deadhead. Adjusting fertilization practices, ensuring full sun exposure, and consistent deadheading will encourage more prolific flowering.
Propagating Sensation Cosmos
Propagating Sensation Cosmos is primarily achieved through seeds. Collect seeds from mature, dried flower heads at the end of the growing season. Once the petals have dropped and the seed heads turn brown and dry, the long, narrow seeds can be easily removed.
After collection, ensure the seeds are completely dry before storage to prevent mold. Storing them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container or paper envelope helps maintain their viability for future planting.
Sensation Cosmos has a natural tendency to self-seed in favorable conditions. Seeds dropped from the plant can germinate the following spring, producing new volunteer seedlings. Gardeners can either welcome these new plants or manage their numbers through weeding.