Cosmos Dwarf Sonata

[workhorse]

I'm growing Cosmos Dwarf Sonata for the first time, and they stand at around 12" (30cm) in height at the moment and flowering (I know they're a bit early), but the seed packet states that they should reach 24" (60cm) in height.
Am I being a bit impatient, or can I expect them to bush out,and grow in height a bit more.

[gemlady]

I'm growing those too and have some in flower. As the weather forecast in my area to next Wed is good and the long range forecast not showing any frost, I'm wondering wether I should risk planting them out (been hardened off for about a week. On the seed packet it says plant out May/June and flowers July onwards bit early but presumably thats due to the good weather.

[workhorse]

Hi Gemlady

Looks like you have the same problem as me, But what size are yours?

[Alice]

Workhorse, it's very early. you're lucky to have then in flower at all. Mine are still 3" seedlings. I think when they get going, and the flowers come up to full height, you will get the height you want.

[gemlady]

Have got three in full flower at 6" + 7" and several about 9" that are ready to open.

[JennieAtkinson]

Mine are just tiny little seedlings. I grow alot of cosmos and it does have a tendency to grow a bit spindly. So make sure you nip out the growing tip to make it bush up abit. That way you get a better looking plant and more flowers. I do that with the dwarf and the tall ones.

[gemlady]

Practically all of mine have got flowers buds on so too late to nip out. But if I nip out the ones that haven't, won't it stop them from growing any taller?