Very unusual, the dark ruby red blooms change to old rose as they mature, giving each plant its own tonal effect. The mid-height plants are very manageable in the border, can be grown in pots and used as cut flowers.
Features: Stricking with unusual shading.
Sowing Guide - Indoors: Sow indoors, for surest results, 0.5cm (1/4") deep, in trays of compost. Water well and place in a warm position, a temperature of 15-20oC (60-68oF) is ideal. Keep moist. Seedlings usually apppear in 14-21 days. Transplant seedlings 5cm (2") apart to other trays when large enough to handle. (Always handle by a leaf, never by the stem.) Grow on in cooler, but not cold conditions. Gradually accustom young plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out 30cm (1') apart, when frosts are over.
Sowing Guide - Outdoors: Sow outdoors for ease, where they are to flower, 1.5cm (1/2") deep directly into finely prepared soil which has already been watered. Thin seedlings to 30cm (1') apart. Water well until plants are established.
Soil Type: Well drained, fertile
Position: Full sun
Hints & Tips: Remove dead flowers to prolong flowering season. Cosmos does well even in poor soils or dry summers.
