Cosmos, Glowing Embers MIx
Fast, easy, and blooms all summer in shades of red, orange, yellow, and gold. An early-blooming dwarf strain to 24" that is at home anywhere from a pot on the patio to the vegetable beds. Great on its own or in front of taller plants like zinnias, cornflowers, or perennials. Equally great in front of tomatoes, corn, or peppers. (Peppers like something beside them to prevent sunscald from the slanting afternoon sun.) If you live where vegetables are frowned on in the front yard, try pairing these edible flowers with okra for a decorative summer planting that nobody will object to. (A spring and fall pairing might be Rainbow Chard with edible calendulas, nasturtiums, and cornflowers.) This is a different species from the pink cosmos, and is edible where the pink ones are not. It is also a dye plant, producing various warm shades. Sow into warm soil, barely covered.