Cosmos are annual flowers usually grown from direct seeding in spring after the last frost.   They prefer sunny spots with well-drained soil.  They grow tall stems and flower in about two months in warm conditions.     They will continue to flower into the fall.  Leaves are in opposite pairs on the stem and are fine and thread-like.    

There are 25 species of Cosmos, but most are pink, white, orange, or red.   Although the plants are low-care, they may reseed for the next year, so deadheading is advised.  

Since Cosmos grow tall, they are best planted at the back of a border, or above a slope.    We are careful about where we place them, since we would prefer not to have to weed out volunteers in the wrong spot in spring and early summer.    We do appreciate them on the edge of a slope where they are welcome to reseed for the following season.    We also collect seeds for the following spring.