Method to keep cosmos blooming continuously throughout the summer by deadheading
In the world of gardening, cosmos flowers are a favourite among many. Known for their vibrant colours and prolific blooming, these annuals thrive on neglect [1]. If you're growing cosmos, here's a simple guide on how to deadhead them effectively, ensuring a fruitful bloom all season long.
Deadheading cosmos is the process of removing spent flowers to encourage new growth. It's not just about snipping off the faded flower at the top; instead, you should trim the stem down to just above the next healthy leaves or buds [2]. This method not only promotes continued flowering but also maintains plant vigor [4][5].
To correctly deadhead cosmos, locate the faded flower and then follow the stem down to the next set of healthy leaves or a new bud (growth node). Cut (or pinch) just above this growth node with clean garden snips or your fingers if the stems are soft. Make clean cuts to avoid damaging the plant [2]. Removing a bit of the stem below the spent flower prevents the plant from looking 'decapitated' and promotes bushier, fuller growth.
When deadheading, it's crucial to be gentle to avoid damaging the plant's stems. It's also important to clean garden tools properly between deadheading sessions to avoid making one of the worst deadheading mistakes [6].
Cosmos are avid bloomers that produce masses of flowers in a single season. To keep them blooming all summer long, spent flowers need to be removed [3]. The top of the stem can be found by looking at the flower head and then following the stem back to the first clump of leaves.
For a recommended pair of snips for comfort and precision, consider the Niwaki Garden Snips, available on Amazon for £15.40. The McGregor Garden Hand Shears from Argos are an affordable option for deadheading cosmos.
Sophie King, our new Gardens Editor, who joined the platform team in June 2024, shares a love for gardening and has tried growing various vegetables and flowers. She enjoys sharing growing hacks for every space, from herbaceous borders to balconies.
Learning how to grow cosmos can result in real bang for your buck if they flower properly. With these simple tips, you're well on your way to enjoying a beautiful display of cosmos flowers all season long. Happy gardening!
[1] Gardening Know How. (n.d.). Cosmos: Growing Cosmos Flowers. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/annual/flowers/cosmos/growing-cosmos-flowers.htm [2] The Spruce. (n.d.). How to Deadhead Cosmos Flowers. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-deadhead-cosmos-2132654 [3] The Old Farmer's Almanac. (n.d.). How to Deadhead Cosmos. Retrieved from https://www.almanac.com/plant/cosmos/how-to-deadhead-cosmos [4] Burpee. (n.d.). Cosmos. Retrieved from https://www.burpee.com/gardening/learn/encyclopedia/Cosmos.html [5] The Gardening Channel. (n.d.). How to Deadhead Cosmos. Retrieved from https://www.thegardeningchannel.com/how-to-deadhead-cosmos/ [6] The Spruce. (n.d.). How to Clean Garden Tools. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-clean-garden-tools-2132787
- Incorporating cosmos flowers into your home-and-garden lifestyle will not only add vibrant colors to your outdoor spaces but also maintain the plants' vigor through continued flowering, making your gardening endeavors a fruitful bloom all season long.
- To complement the interiors of any home, consider pairing the beautiful cosmos flowers with on-trend interior design elements, such as boho-chic patterns and natural materials, creating a harmonious blend of garden and home aesthetics that elevate your lifestyle.
