Fothergill's Cosmos Tetra Versailles Flush Seeds

Details:

• Botanical Name: Cosmos bipinnatus 'Tetra Versailles Flush', an advanced, genetically robust tetraploid cultivar within the Cosmos genus.
• Plant Class: Half Hardy Annual, growing with exceptional speed and stamina from a spring sowing to yield a relentless, non-stop flush of flowers in its very first season.
• Dramatic Saturated Blush: Bears massive, wide-open single flowers in a gorgeous shade of soft rose-pink, uniquely enhanced by an intense, dark crimson-magenta 'flush' ring that frames a glowing golden central eye.
• Tetraploid Vigor & Stature: Displays a tall, upright, and exceptionally strong growth habit, reaching a mature height of 90–120cm (3–4ft) and a spread of 45cm (18in). The stems are naturally thicker and more resilient to wind damage.
• Airy Lace Foliage: Clothed in soft, deeply cut, feathery bright green leaves that lend a light, elegant texture and create a beautiful, soft-focus background for the striking bi-colour blooms.
• Premium Cut Flower Variety: A top-tier choice for professional and home floral designers alike; its extra-long, ultra-sturdy stems and robust, thick-petalled flower heads ensure an excellent, long-lasting vase life.
• Pollinator Haven: The extra-large, open central cores act as an irresistible natural landing pad, keeping your garden humming with life by drawing in butterflies, honeybees, and bumblebees.
• Optimal Position: Thrives at its absolute best when positioned in a bright, open spot in full sun, demonstrating outstanding natural heat and drought resilience once fully established in poorer, free-draining soils.

Care Instructions:

• Sowing Position: Start seeds early indoors from March to April in cellular 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 45cm apart to allow their robust, multi-branched framework plenty of room to mature.
• Maintenance: Avoid over-fertilising, as overly rich soil will encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of blossoms. Deadhead faded blooms regularly throughout the summer to continuously trigger a fresh succession of beautiful bicolour buds.