Delicate and delicate kosmeya resembles pink daisies, but in fact, there are much more decorative varieties and varieties. Due to its unpretentiousness, in combination with large graceful inflorescences-baskets, it decorates flower beds in areas and in cities. And today we want to tell you more about it!
general information
Kosmeya is a herbaceous member of the Aster family, native to the tropics and subtropics. It is also called the garden space. The cosmos has a tall, tall stem, sometimes up to 1.5 m. It is densely covered with narrow openwork leaves, and on top - with large flowers up to 10-12 cm in diameter. Moreover, all shoots are erect, but branched.
For several centuries, decorative varieties of Mexican asters have adorned flower gardens around the world. The kosmeya blooms from June until the first frost. Baskets with a flat or spherical center are collected in paniculate or corymbose inflorescences.
Types of cosmos
Despite the riot of colors inherent in different varieties of cosme, there are only a few dozen main varieties. And not all of them are suitable for growing in mid-latitudes. But we have already figured out which species are worth paying attention to!
Double-feathery cosmea
This is a very tall, beautiful plant above 1 m with large inflorescences-baskets. The shape of the inflorescences is simple, but in diameter they reach 12 cm. The openwork leaves of the double-feathery cosmos also look very decorative.
Chocolate kosmeya
It is a thermophilic perennial for the southern regions of our country. However, it can be grown in other climatic conditions, but as an annual crop. Chocolate cosmea is distinguished by a rich burgundy color and a sweet aroma with chocolate notes.
Sulfur-yellow kosmeya
The inflorescences of this species are much smaller, but they are semi-double. But the leaves are larger and brighter. Depending on the variety, the height ranges from 50 cm to 1.5 m, and the sulfur-yellow kosmeya blooms by mid-summer.
Terry kosmeya
An excellent decorative group of hybrids with bright double flowers. This category is not included in the official classifications, but is insanely popular with gardeners. The diameter of the inflorescences reaches 10 cm, and sometimes even more.
Bicolor cosmeya
This is the name for varieties with variegated petals covered with multi-colored spots, gradient or stripes. The main shades are from snow-white to scarlet or crimson.
Levkoy (50 photos): types, care and planting in the open field
Cosmeia care
Kosmeya is one of the best options for beginner gardeners and for those who do not have too much time for gardening.
Temperature and lighting
Kosmeya belongs to cold-resistant plants, so it easily tolerates light frosts. It is better to choose a sunny place for her, because in the shade she can never bloom so abundantly.
Watering
Cosmea should be watered regularly, but in moderation. Most of the moisture will be needed during active growth, and after that the frequency can be gradually reduced. And don't forget to loosen the soil at least once a month.
The soil
Any soil is suitable for cosmos, as long as it is loose enough. Slightly acidic soils with moderate fertility are ideal. But in the poor, it is better to fertilize in advance, even before planting flowers.
Fertilizers and feeding
Kosmeya is fed in three passes. The first portion of fertilizer is even before the buds form. The second is just during this period, and the last feeding of the season is at the beginning of flowering. No more needed because it will harm the plant.
Wintering
Perennial varieties of cosme may well overwinter on the site. To do this, after flowering, shorten all the shoots to about 15 cm, and with the onset of cold weather, cover them with spruce branches until spring. But more often in middle latitudes, it is still grown as an annual.
Daisies (50 photos): types, planting and care in the open field
Planting and breeding
The easiest and most effective way to propagate cosmea is by seeds.They are planted in warm soil in the spring, and after a couple of weeks, shoots appear. You can sow before winter if you want to achieve an earlier flowering. In colder regions, it is easier to germinate them at home with warm seedlings. There are no difficulties in the process, because in nature, cosmea reproduces excellently by self-seeding.
At the end of May, seedlings can be transplanted into open ground. For this, the seedlings must grow and get stronger enough - they must be at least 6 cm each. The distance between the holes depends on the size of the variety, but on average it is about 30 cm. For a high cosmos, you will need a support, so you can also dig in the stakes right away.
Cosmos pests and diseases
The most dangerous enemy of the cosmos is aphids, which ants often bring with them. In this case, prevention works best, and also the neighborhood with fragrant herbs. If there are few aphids, a soap solution is enough, but if there are many, use chemicals.
If wet, cool days drag on, snails and slugs appear on the leaves of the cosmos. The easiest way is to collect them mechanically and use special traps. The rest of the cosmeya is distinguished by excellent immunity and gives little trouble.
Statice (50 photos): types, care and planting in the open field
Kosmeya - photo
If a single cosmos flower may not seem too noticeable, then group plantings are always surprisingly good. Just look!
