Growing Foxgloves and Cosmos: A Guide for Beginners
Introduction
Growing flowers from seed can be a rewarding experience, and foxgloves and cosmos are two easy and beautiful choices for beginners. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started.
About Foxgloves and Cosmos
Foxgloves
Foxgloves are tall, stately plants with showy, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, and white. They are biennials, meaning they will complete their life cycle in two years. In the first year, they will produce a rosette of leaves. In the second year, they will send up a flowering stem and produce seeds.
Cosmos
Cosmos are cheerful, daisy-like flowers that come in a wide range of colors, including pink, orange, yellow, and white. They are annuals, meaning they will complete their life cycle in one year. Cosmos are easy to grow and will bloom profusely from summer to fall.
How to Grow Foxgloves and Cosmos from Seed
Materials:
- Foxglove or cosmos seeds
- Seed starting mix
- Pots or seed trays
- Light source (grow light or sunny window)
- Water
Instructions:
- Sow the seeds: Fill pots or seed trays with seed starting mix. Sow the seeds thinly on the surface of the mix and gently press them in. Do not cover the seeds with soil.
- Provide light: Place the pots or seed trays in a warm, well-lit location. Foxgloves and cosmos need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. If you are starting seeds indoors, you may need to use a grow light.
- Water regularly: Keep the seed starting mix moist but not soggy. Water from the bottom by placing the pots or seed trays in a shallow dish of water.
- Thin the seedlings: Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, thin them out to 6-8 inches apart.
- Harden off the seedlings: Before transplanting the seedlings outdoors, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Do this over a period of 1-2 weeks.
- Transplant outdoors: Transplant the seedlings outdoors after the last frost date in your area. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Care and Maintenance
Watering:
Foxgloves and cosmos need regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. Water deeply at the base of the plants, avoiding the leaves.
Fertilizing:
Fertilize foxgloves and cosmos monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
Deadheading:
Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, will encourage new blooms. Deadhead foxgloves and cosmos regularly to keep them blooming all season long.
Troubleshooting
Common Problems:
- Leggy seedlings: If your seedlings are tall and spindly, they are not getting enough light. Move them to a brighter location.
- Yellowing leaves: Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering or nutrient deficiency. Reduce watering and fertilize the plants.
- Pests: Foxgloves and cosmos can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Treat infestations with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Companion Planting
Foxgloves and cosmos make great companion plants for each other. Cosmos will attract pollinators to your garden, which will help foxgloves produce more seeds. Other good companion plants for foxgloves and cosmos include:
- Salvia
- Coneflowers
- Yarrow
- Black-eyed Susans
- Zinnias
Conclusion
Growing foxgloves and cosmos from seed is a fun and rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can enjoy these beautiful flowers in your garden all season long.
