Cosmos flowers, with their vibrant colours and delicate petals, are a firm favourite with gardeners.
These annual plants are very easy to grow and will thrive in most soil types, even poor soil.
They flower long into the autumn, so are great for colour and coverage after summer.
A common issue however, can be overly tall plants, sometimes with fewer flowers.
In this article we will answer the question – Why are my Cosmos so tall?
Cosmos that are taller than expected can be due to the variety grown, or environmental factors such as soil quality, sunlight and water levels, or spacing. One tip is to nip the tops off when the plants are 15cm high. This will encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
An Introduction To Cosmos
Cosmos belong to the Asteraceae family and are native to regions of North and South America.
They are loved for their daisy-like flowers that come in an array of colours, including white, pink, red, orange, and yellow.
There are both dwarf and tall varieties.
Tall Cosmos Varieties
Tall cosmos varieties, such as Cosmos bipinnatus, are known for their impressive stature, often reaching heights of 2.5 metres!
This height is very striking and can add a dramatic element to any garden landscape.
However, for gardeners who were expecting more compact plants, the extensive growth can raise questions.
Factors Influencing Tall Cosmos Growth
Several factors can contribute to the sizable height of Cosmos plants:
- Genetics: Just like in the animal kingdom, genetics play a significant role in plant traits, including height. Some Cosmos varieties are naturally likely to grow taller due to their genetic makeup.
- Growing Conditions: Cosmos are known for their adaptability, but the conditions in which they are grown can influence their growth. Rich, fertile soil and good sunlight can encourage more growth, including increased height.
- Spacing: Proper spacing between Cosmos plants allows for good air circulation and prevents overcrowding. When plants are spaced too closely, they might stretch to reach sunlight, resulting in taller growth.
- Fertilisation: While Cosmos will grow fine in relatively poor soils, providing adequate nutrients through fertilisation can lead to really vigorous growth. However, too much fertilisation, especially with high-nitrogen fertilisers, can contribute to taller-than-expected plants.
- Watering: Correct levels of watering is crucial for healthy plant growth. Over or underwatering can lead to weak, leggy growth, while inconsistent watering may lead to growth spurts followed by no growth.
- Sunlight: Cosmos are sun-loving plants. Not enough sunlight can cause elongated growth as plants reach for available light.
- Temperature: fluctuations in temperature, especially during early growth stages, can also impact plant height.
How To Encourage Bushier Growth (And More Flowers) In Cosmos
Tip 1:
If you are growing Cosmos in your garden it is a good idea to nip the top off the plant when they reach about half a foot (15cm) tall.
This will encourage horizontal growth rather than vertical.
Bushier Cosmos will usually have more flowers, so this is a good way to increase both colour and foliage.
Tip 2:
Self seeded Cosmos are sometimes a bit behind developmentally, and can be smaller and thinner than Cosmos started in the greenhouse.
If you want strong, healthy, flourishing Cosmos start them off in the greenhouse in spring (March and April in the UK) in good compost in a seed tray.
Once they are doing well are large enough to handle safely and have several true leaves, (that look like the parent leaves) you can put them in individual small pots.
When they are about a foot tall (30cm), they can be planted out into the garden.
You should find these plants will be big and bushy.
Managing Tall Cosmos Plants
If you have grown the taller varieties, or you have forgotten to nip the tops, then Cosmos can still be very beautiful and a great addition to your garden planting.
Here are some tips to get the best out of them:
- Staking: For Cosmos plants that have already reached towering heights, staking can provide much-needed support and prevent bending or breaking of stems, especially during windy conditions.
- Position: If you are growing the taller varieties, be mindful of where you plan to grow them. They look great against a hedge or fence as they will soften the boundary.
- Pruning And Deadheading: While Cosmos typically don’t require extensive pruning, you can consider selectively removing some taller stems to create a more balanced appearance. Removing the spent flower heads will encourage more blooms.
- Spacing: When planting Cosmos, be mindful of the recommended spacing for the type you are growing. Proper spacing can help prevent overcrowding and overly tall growth.
- Fertilisation: Cosmos don’t usually need any fertiliser, but if your soil is extremely poor and you feel that you need to provide some extra nutrients, use a balanced fertiliser with moderate nitrogen content. This will provide essential nourishment without causing too much excessive height.
- Watering and Soil: Ensure your Cosmos plants receive consistent and appropriate watering. Well-draining soil can help prevent waterlogged conditions that may contribute to leggy growth.
- Choosing Varieties: If you prefer more compact Cosmos plants, consider growing dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties that will naturally have shorter growth habits.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly recommend Cosmos as a garden flower.
They are easy to grow, and look great in the autumn and on into winter.
If you are growing the taller varieties, or have forgotten to nip the tops, Cosmos can still look fantastic.
Their impressive height can create a colourful and striking focal point in your garden, and add a touch of wild beauty to your outdoor space.
Just remember to stake them (before winds – not after) to protect the delicate stems.
Another great flower choice for tall blooms are Hollyhocks, check out our article on how to grow them here.
Happy growing!