Cosmos Kiiro

A delightful annual known for its unique, pale lemon-yellow blooms that add a soft, romantic touch to gardens and floral arrangements. The name “Kiiro” translates to “yellow” in Japanese, reflecting the cultivar’s delicate hue.

In the garden, ‘Kiiro’ has a graceful, branching habit that produces an abundance of blooms throughout the growing season. These flowers are not only visually appealing but also attract pollinators, enhancing biodiversity.

As a cut flower, ‘Kiiro’ excels. The blooms have a vase life of 5–7 days when harvested at the “cracked bud” stage—just before the petals fully open. This timing ensures longevity in arrangements and reduces the risk of wilting.

Home gardeners will find Cosmos relatively easy to grow from seed. These drought-tolerant annuals are low-maintenance, making them suitable for beginner gardeners seeking effortless beauty.

Transplant is recommended. Start seeds indoors 5–7 weeks before the last frost date. Sow into preferred seedling container and harden off seedlings 5-7 weeks later, planting out after the danger of frost has passed. Seeds can also be sown directly into well-drained soil after the danger of frost has passed.

Cosmos prefers full sun and thrives in average to poor soil without excessive fertilisation, which can cause more foliage than blooms. Plant out seedlings with sufficient space to grow, or thin seedlings if direct sown. Pinching is recommended to encourage branching and deadhead regularly to prolong blooming.