Versailles Mix

Cosmos

Zone 12a Save Garden

Botanical illustration of Versailles Mix

🌱 70d to harvest Upright

A living bouquet in bloom—Versailles Mix opens into a riot of petals that glow in warm sunset tones and cool jewel shades, with f…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Jan 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jan 1st
Harvest Begins	Mar 12th
Harvest Ends	Dec 31st

Crop Details

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

Recommended Companions

Benary's Giant Zinnia

Durango Red Marigold

Candy Cane Mix Zinnia

Inca II Marigold

State Fair Zinnia

Moonsong Deep Orange Marigold

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Cosmos bipinnatus (Versailles Mix), and how do I control it?

Watch for aphids and caterpillars (often on tender new growth and flower buds). Rinse plants with a strong water spray, then spot-treat with insecticidal soap if you still see clusters, repeating every 5–7 days. Cosmos in crowded, damp conditions can also develop powdery mildew; improve airflow by thinning and water at the soil line rather than wetting foliage.

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

During active growth and bud formation, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—about 1–2 inches of water per week depending on heat and soil drainage. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, and then let it dry slightly before watering again to avoid root stress.

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

Harvest when flowers are fully open and the petals look crisp and well-colored, typically around 70 days from sowing. For the best continuous bloom, snip blooms with a short stem just above a leaf node and harvest before they start to look limp or begin forming dry seed heads.

A living bouquet in bloom—Versailles Mix opens into a riot of petals that glow in warm sunset tones and cool jewel shades, with feathery movement that seems to shimmer in the breeze. The flowers are airy yet richly colored, making a light-catching presence in the garden from early summer through fall, with a long, dependable season for continuous display. Ideal for pollinator gardens and ornamental borders, Versailles Mix brings effortless color drama and graceful texture to beds and containers alike.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For best results, sow cosmos after frost directly in full sun and keep seedlings evenly moist until established, then let them dry slightly to prevent legginess.