SproutSmart
SproutSmart Intelligent Garden Sowing

Xanthos

Cosmos

Planting Schedule

Add Xanthos to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Xanthos
55d to harvest

Feathery, airy blooms rise like warm sparks above the garden—Xanthos Cosmos opens into luminous, petal-rich flowers that sway with every breath of wind. Expect a delicate, satiny texture and a vivid, show-stopping presence that holds its charm in arrangements, making it a favorite for long-lasting cut stems. Grow Xanthos for a breezy, cloudlike display that turns beds and borders into living color from early summer through fall.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 13a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsNov 25th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity55
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)55
Min Night Temp (°F)45
Harden Off (days)7

Frequently Asked Questions


How often should I water Cosmos bipinnatus during peak growth?
During the main growing phase, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Cosmos will tolerate some dryness once established, but consistent moisture helps it branch and produce steady flowers, especially in warm weather. Water at the base to avoid wetting foliage, which can encourage leaf diseases.
How can I tell when Cosmos bipinnatus is ready to harvest?
Harvest flowers when the bloom is fully open and the petals are crisp and brightly colored, usually about 55 days from sowing under good conditions. For seed harvest, leave seed heads on the plant until they turn brown and feel dry, then collect them before they shatter. Cut flowers regularly to keep plants producing fresh blooms throughout the season.
Botanical illustration of Xanthos

Feathery, airy blooms rise like warm sparks above the garden—Xanthos Cosmos opens into luminous, petal-rich flowers that sway with every breath of wind. Expect a delicate, satiny texture and a vivid, show-stopping presence that holds its charm in arrangements, making it a favorite for long-lasting cut stems. Grow Xanthos for a breezy, cloudlike display that turns beds and borders into living color from early summer through fall.