Sonata

Family: Asteraceae Annual flowering plant

Planting Schedule

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Feathery, fernlike foliage frames a profusion of daisy-like blooms that open with a luminous, silk-satin glow—Sonata’s petals catch the light in a way that feels almost musical.

Expect sturdy, well-branched stems and long-lasting flowers with crisp, clean color and a satisfying, airy texture that holds its shape beautifully. Grow Sonata for standout cut-flower bouquets and for a garden display that stays bright from early bloom through the season’s peak.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Upright

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Sonata 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	May 11th	Jun 1st	Jul 31st – Aug 1st
Zone 2a	May 4th	May 25th	Jul 24th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Apr 24th	May 15th	Jul 14th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Apr 24th	May 15th	Jul 14th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Apr 28th	May 19th	Jul 18th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Apr 24th	May 15th	Jul 14th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Apr 22nd	May 13th	Jul 12th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Apr 17th	May 8th	Jul 7th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Apr 13th	May 4th	Jul 3rd – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Apr 10th	May 1st	Jun 30th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Apr 4th	Apr 25th	Jun 24th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Mar 30th	Apr 20th	Jun 19th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Mar 20th	Apr 10th	Jun 9th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Mar 11th	Apr 1st	May 31st – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Mar 2nd	Mar 23rd	May 22nd – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Feb 13th	Mar 6th	May 5th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Jan 19th	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)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	45
Harden Off (days)	5

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Ornamental cosmos cut flower; despite is_edible=true in the payload, no edible-flavor guidance is provided here—treat it as non-consumption unless you have confirmed, specific edible-petal/edible-flower usage for this exact variety.

Flavor Profile

Not clearly established as a culinary crop Petals/flowers aren’t reliable for eating based on provided info

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Cosmos bipinnatus, and how can I stop it?

Cosmos bipinnatus commonly suffers from powdery mildew in warm, humid weather and dense plantings. Improve airflow by spacing plants and watering at the soil line, then remove any heavily affected leaves early. If mildew starts spreading, spray with a potassium bicarbonate or horticultural oil product and repeat as the label directs until new growth stays clean.

How often should I water Cosmos bipinnatus during its main growth phase?

During active flowering (roughly the mid-season period before and after buds set), keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water deeply about once or twice per week depending on heat, letting the top 1–2 inches dry between waterings so roots don’t sit wet. Cosmos tolerate brief dryness once established, but consistent moisture supports sturdier stems and better bloom.

How do I tell when Cosmos bipinnatus (Sonata) is ready to harvest for cut flowers or seed?

For cut flowers, harvest when the ray florets (the “petals”) are fully open and the center disk is still fresh, ideally in the morning. For seed, leave heads on the plant until the flower bracts dry and the seeds look mature and dark; cut the heads and finish drying indoors if they feel still slightly tacky. Cosmos reaches maturity in about 60 days, but harvest timing still depends on when the first strong blooms formed.