Cosmos sulphureus Dwarf Ladybird Scarlet

Half-hardy Annual

• Flowers in : Summer to Autumn
• Germination : Easy
• Aftercare : Easy
• Ideal for : Bedding, Borders, Cut Flowers
• Height : 12 inches

Description

Dwarf plants with arresting scarlet to orange-scarlet flowers. Under dry and sunny conditions, most flowers are scarlet, whilst in opposite conditions they change to orange-red shades.

Sowing Instructions

Sow 3mm (1/8in) deep in spring at 21-24C (70-74F) in a good seed compost. Keep soil damp but not wet, sealing in a polythene bag after sowing is helpful. Germination usually takes 5-10 days.

Growing Instructions

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant and grow on in cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost 45cm (18in) apart in a sunny spot on light well drained soil. For pot plants, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots, grow cool, well ventilated and give plenty of light, but shade from direct sun.

Aftercare

Please note: In cloudy or rainy weather, up to 50% may flower orange instead of blood red.