Cosmea – Scientific name Cosmos Bipinnatus – is a plant belonging to the family of Asteraceaethe same, among others, of Gazania and Artemisia. Originally of the Mexico and of theCentral Americafound a second home in the European gardens, where it is cultivated for great beauty and ease of management. Is one annual herbaceous plantcapable of giving generous and continuous blooms from late spring up to the first colds.
Cosmea history and symbolism
The name cosmos It originates from the ancient Greek “kósmos“, A term that, in spite of modern use linked to the universe and the cosmic space, originally meant” order “,” harmony “,” beauty arranged with balance “. And it is precisely this primary sense that inspired the denomination of the flower: the cosmeal petals are arranged in regular, symmetrical formcreating a corolla with composed and never excessive elegance.
In the flower languagethe cosmeal embodies i values of simplicity and purity. It is the symbol of the tranquility of mind, of silent modesty and integrity. The sober form, combined with a proud but discreet bearing, recalls the inner virtues, those that do not scream to get noticed.
In the lands of origin – central and southern America, as mentioned at the opening – this plant has also taken on a deeper meaning: it has often been seen as Emblem of lovea feeling that, like the flower, was born without hype but is affirmed with constancy and sweetness.
Main varieties of cosmea
The Cosmos genre includes about twenty species, but the most common in the gardens is undoubtedly the Cosmos Bipinnatuswhich produces large simple flowers, similar to daisies, in the tones of pink, white and purple. There are also varieties with brighter colors, such as the Cosmos Sulphureuswhich gives gold and intense orange flowers. Some modern selections, such as varieties’Cupcake‘ And ‘Seashell‘, they stand out for the unusual form of the petals.
Where to place the cosmea
To give the best, the cosmea needs light, a lot of light. It is a plant lover of the sun and grows best in fully sunny positions, where it can receive at least six hours of direct light per day. The wind is instead an enemy: plants, especially the highest ones, tend to bend and break if they are not protected. In exposed areas, it can be useful to support the drums with small guardians or choose dwarf varieties.
What ground to use for the cosmea
Cosmea has no great pretensions. Prefers a well -drained soil, tendentially light, with a pH between 6.0 and 8.5. Excessively fertile soil promotes the development of the leaves at the expense of flowers, therefore it is better to opt for a organic substrate but of medium fertility. In the case of heavy and/or clayey soils, the ground can be lightened with sand, or perlite.
How to grow the cosmeal in pots
Even those who do not have a garden can enjoy the flowering of the cosmeal. Enough a large potat least 30 centimeters deep, filled with a good flower soil enriched with sand to improve drainage. It is important that the container has holes on the bottom To avoid stagnation. In winter, if the temperatures go down too much, it is advisable to move the vases to a repaired area or cover them with non -woven fabric.
How to sow cosmeal
Cultivating the cosmea starting from the seed is simple. The seeds are planted in springdirectly in the ground or in the seedbed. Germination takes place in about 7-10 days, at a temperature of 20-24 ° C. Once the seedlings have grown, they can be transplanted when the climate stabilizes, generally in April or May. The recommended distance between the plants is at least 30 centimeters, to leave room for the development of the bush.
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How to water the cosmeal
Cosmea is drought resistanteven if during the hottest summer months it is good to irrigate constantly. The watering must be moderate: The soil must be maintained slightly humid, avoiding that it completely drys out between one irrigation and another, given that excess water, as often happens, can cause rot and weaken the plant.
Cosmea fertilization
This plant. A liquid fertilizer for flower plants, administered every 10-15 days during the active growth period, is sufficient. Excessive fertilization, especially if rich in nitrogen, favors the leaves at the expense of flowering. If the starting land is well prepared, the cosmeas will be able to get by.
The flowering of the cosmea
The cosmea is famous for its prolonged flowering. The first flowers appear about two months from germination and follow one another until late autumn. In mild climates and with adequate treatments, some varieties can also come to flourish during the winter, especially if cultivated in pots and sheltered from the cold. To further prolong the flowering, it is useful to remove dried flowers as they appear.
Cosmeal diseases and parasites
Cosmea is a rustic plant, little inclined to get sick. The most common problems are represented by insects such as aphids and ladybugswhich can be eliminated with soft soap, but also with Neem oil. Also the snailsespecially in the early stages of growth, they can constitute a danger, gnawing the tender sprouts. In these cases, natural traps and ash barriers can help.
Cosmea is a useful plant for the garden
In addition to enriching flower beds and borders with a palette of bright colors, the cosmeal is also A precious ally for the garden ecosystem. Its flowers attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators, making it an ideal partner for synergistic gardens and gardens. Even after flowering, the seeds can be collected and stored for the following year, at no cost.
