Fothergill's Cosmos Rubenza Seeds

Details:

• Botanical Name: Cosmos bipinnatus 'Rubenza', a highly unique, premium color selection within the Cosmos genus.
• Plant Class: Half Hardy Annual, establishing with incredible speed from a spring sowing to burst into an abundance of continuous blooms in its very first season.
• Colour-Shifting Velvety Blooms: Bears elegant single daisy-like flowers that undergo a fascinating aging process, blending rich, deep burgundy wine tones with faded vintage rose on the same plant.
• Manageable Mid-Height Habit: Displays a well-branched, sturdy, and upright growth habit, reaching a highly versatile mature height of 90cm (36in). This makes it much easier to manage than taller varieties.
• Superb Growing Flexibility: The compact, sturdy architecture allows it to sit perfectly in mid-border groupings or thrive comfortably as a dramatic focal point in large patio containers.
• Exceptional Cut Flower: An absolute favorite for contemporary, rustic floral arrangements; the strong stems and unique, moody ruby-to-rose color spectrum lend a sophisticated touch to fresh summer bouquets.
• Pollinator Friendly: Features wide-open, highly accessible single blossoms with glowing golden centers that act as an essential natural refueling station for butterflies, honeybees, and bumblebees.
• Optimal Position: Thrives at its absolute best when positioned in a bright, open spot in full sun, showing excellent natural heat and drought resilience once fully established.

Care Instructions:

• Sowing Position: Start seeds early indoors from March to April in trays of moist, free-draining compost, or sow directly outdoors in May where they are to flower once all danger of spring frost has safely passed. Position in full sun.
• Planting Out & Spacing: For indoor-started seedlings, gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions before transplanting. Space the young plants roughly 30–40cm apart to allow their branching framework room to develop smoothly.
• Maintenance: Avoid over-fertilising the soil, as high fertility will encourage excessive leaf production at the expense of flowers. Pinch out the growing tips of young plants to promote a bushier habit, and deadhead spent blooms regularly to relentlessly trigger fresh ruby buds.