Cosmos
Cosmos Detailed Encyclopedia Introduction
Annual herbaceous plant with elegant flowers in rich colors, highly adaptable and excellent ornamental flower.
Basic Info
Family：Asteraceae
Scientific Name：Cosmos bipinnatus
Origin：Mexico
Flowering Period：Summer to autumn (June-October)
Height：30-120 cm
Lifespan：Annual
Morphology
Leaves：Bipinnately deeply divided, linear or thread-like segments, opposite
Flowers：Capitulum with 8 ray flowers in pink, white, red, purple, with yellow disc flowers in center
Roots：Taproot system with well-developed main root
Stem：Upright, slender, multi-branched, hollow
Growth Habits
Soil Requirements：Not strict soil requirements, prefers loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam
Watering Needs：Drought tolerant, keep soil slightly moist during growing season
Light Requirements：Sun-loving, needs full sunlight, more than 6 hours daily
Temperature Requirements：Warm-loving, optimal growing temperature 15-25°C
Classification & Varieties
Main Classifications
Ornamental Varieties
Professional Care
✂️ Pruning Management
Pruning Timing：Pinching during growing season and pruning after flowering
Pruning Method：Pinch seedlings to promote branching, promptly remove spent flowers
Pruning Purpose：Control plant height, promote branching, extend flowering period
Required Tools：Garden shears, gloves
🛡️ Pest & Disease Management
Common Pests：
Common Diseases：
Prevention Measures：Avoid dense planting, maintain ventilation, moderate watering
Treatment Methods：Spray biological or chemical pesticides promptly when pests and diseases are found
🌱 Fertilization Management
Fertilizer Type：Compound fertilizer, organic fertilizer
Fertilization Frequency：1-2 times monthly during growing season
Fertilization Timing：During vigorous growth and flower bud differentiation periods
Fertilization Amount：Light and frequent application, 15-20 grams per plant each time
💧 Water Requirements
Watering Frequency：Every 3-5 days in spring/summer, every 5-7 days in autumn
Watering Amount：Water when dry, avoid waterlogging
Watering Method：Water at root zone
Dehydration Signs：Wilted, drooping leaves with dull color
Basic Care Tips
- •Direct sow seeds in spring when soil temperature reaches above 15°C
- •Choose sunny location with well-drained soil
- •Keep soil moderately moist during growing period
- •Remove spent flowers promptly during flowering to extend bloom period
- •Strong drought tolerance, reduce watering frequency after establishment
Ecology Value
Pollinators：Bees, butterflies, moths and other insects
Wildlife：Provides food for various pollinating insects and birds
Environmental Value：Beautifies environment, attracts pollinators, improves ecology
Cultural Symbolism
Symbolic Meaning：Maiden's purity, eternal happiness, harmony and fulfillment
Historical Background：Native to Mexico, introduced to Europe in 17th century, now widely cultivated worldwide
Related Festivals：Commonly used in autumn flower exhibitions and garden beautification
Artistic Expression：Common material for pastoral landscapes and natural flower borders