Sea Shells Apricot

Family: Asteraceae Annual flowering plant

Planting Schedule

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Delicate as lace yet richly abundant, Sea Shells Apricot blooms in warm apricot-orange petals that curl and overlap like tiny seashells, catching the light with a soft, glowing shimmer.

The airy, feathery foliage frames each flower head on sturdy stems, creating a graceful, long-lasting cut-flower presence with a gentle, honeyed allure for pollinators. Grow this annual for a breezy, sunlit display that turns beds and borders into a moving bouquet—ideal for fresh arrangements and effortless garden charm.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Sea Shells Apricot

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Sea Shells Apricot Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Direct Sow	Jun 1st	Jul 31st – Aug 1st
Zone 2a	Direct Sow	May 25th	Jul 24th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 14th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 14th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Direct Sow	May 19th	Jul 18th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jul 14th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Direct Sow	May 13th	Jul 12th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Direct Sow	May 8th	Jul 7th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Direct Sow	May 4th	Jul 3rd – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Direct Sow	May 1st	Jun 30th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Direct Sow	Apr 25th	Jun 24th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Direct Sow	Apr 20th	Jun 19th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Direct Sow	Apr 10th	Jun 9th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Direct Sow	Apr 1st	May 31st – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Direct Sow	Mar 23rd	May 22nd – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Direct Sow	Mar 6th	May 5th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Direct Sow	Feb 9th	Apr 10th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	55
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Treat the petals like you would delicate edible flowers: use sparingly so their lacey sweetness and faint bitterness reads, not smothers. They’re best chilled or lightly dressed—heat turns them tired fast.

Best Uses

chopped petal garnish for plated fish or roast chicken
floating in chilled drinks or sparkling water for a soft perfume
folded into a quick salad where the petals won’t weigh down dressing
used as an elegant, delicate accent in crème fraîche– or yogurt-based sauces

Flavor Profile

lightly floral, honeyed aroma silky, petal-like texture with gentle sweetness subtle chamomile-esque bitterness on the back end

Kitchen Pairings

lemon chamomile tea honey tarragon crème fraîche white fish

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Cosmos bipinnatus, and what should I do if I see it?

Cosmos bipinnatus is frequently bothered by aphids, especially on new growth, which can cause distorted leaves and sticky honeydew. Rinse plants with a strong jet of water, then spray with insecticidal soap (follow label) and repeat every 5–7 days until aphids stop. If you notice powdery-looking white patches, improve airflow by spacing plants and avoid overhead watering; remove heavily affected leaves to slow spread.

How often should I water Cosmos bipinnatus during the main growing phase?

During active growth (roughly weeks after seedlings establish through the first flush of blooms), water deeply about 1–2 times per week, letting the top 1–2 inches of soil dry between waterings. Cosmos tolerate short dry spells, so don’t keep soil constantly wet—overwatering increases disease risk and can reduce flowering. In hot weather, you may need more frequent deep watering, but only if the soil surface has dried.

How can I tell when Cosmos bipinnatus is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the flowers have fully opened and the petals are still fresh and crisp—cosmos typically reaches this stage about 60 days from sowing. For seed, wait until flower heads are dry and brown, then harvest the heads before they fully shed; rub gently to collect seeds. If harvesting for cut flowers, pick blooms in the morning and remove spent heads to encourage more flowering.