Growing cosmos

Cosmos are adaptable to almost any kind of soil, but they do need moisture to germinate. In dry, hot climates, Shepherd recommends placing a shade cloth over the bed until the seedlings begin to sprout. This happens roughly five to 10 days after planting.

Cosmos blooms continuously until the first frost. With its distinguished forms and vibrant colors, it's no wonder why so many gardeners are over the moon for cosmos, even those with small yards.

While compact Cosmos sulphureus are great for containers, Cosmos bipinnatus reaches six feet or higher with a tendency to topple over. Fortunately, Shepherd has a way to keep them from drooping. She has created a low-maintenance cosmos support system from garden netting attached to wood stakes. These stakes secure to notched metal posts that stretch over the entire bed. As the plants grow, the netting practically disappears.