Candy Stripe Cosmos

Pink Candy Stripe Cosmos appear like garden candy canes with red and rose stripes on a blush-white petals. No two flowers are exactly alike. Gardeners adore Pink Candy Stripe Cosmos for their ability to effortlessly add charm and beauty to flower beds, borders, and cottage-style gardens. These hardy annuals reach a height of 3 to 4 feet with feathery green foliage that adds a soft, airy texture to garden spaces. Cosmos are excellent for cutting. Their long stems make them ideal for stunning cut flower arrangements that bring the joy of the garden indoors. These flowers are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making them perfect for busy gardeners or those in regions with challenging conditions. They reseed easily, providing a continuous display of cheerful blooms year after year. Blooming profusely from midsummer until frost, they are a pollinator’s delight, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Also Known As: Peppermint Cosmos, Candy Stripe Cosmos, Blushing Cosmos, Striped Cosmos, Pink Picotee Cosmos, Rosy Edge Cosmos, White-Pink Cosmos, Two-Tone Cosmos, Pink Frost Cosmos, Ribbon Cosmos.

Plant Name:	Cosmos, Pink Candy Stripe
Latin Name:	Cosmos bipinnatus
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Bloom:	50
Plant Height:	2 - 4 Feet
Spread:	12 - 18 inches
Bloom Diameter:	2 - 4 Inches
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	2-11
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 2 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Cosmos prefer hot climates, growing best in 65F-85F temperatures. For earlier Cosmos blooms, you may start planting indoors in containers 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when the soil warms to at least 65F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant Cosmos after all danger of frost has passed in Spring and the soil warms to at least 65F. For fall planting in cold climates, sow in mid-summer at the latest. To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 1-2 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, flower seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 1-2 feet apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/4 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	1-2 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	2-3 feet

Care During the Season:

Once established, Cosmos are hardy, drought-tolerant plants that require minimal maintenance. Water deeply during prolonged dry spells. Fertilization is usually not needed. Cut back plants after they stop blooming or let them reseed naturally for next season. Support may be provided for tall plants.