I'm going to put myself on the line and say cosmos are one of the easiest plants you can possibly grow. They don't attract aphids. They don't catch diseases and they'll grow in just about any weather conditions.
Got a spot in your garden that's hot, sunny and dry. Ship in some cosmos. Where other plants will wilt and fade, these colourful plants will thrive.
Not only are they easy to grow, they're a thrifty plant too! Cosmos are annuals, which means they germinate, flower and die within a season or a year. But then they seed down and pop up again each following year. So, if you're on a budget they're the plant that just keeps on giving.
Do you like perfect lines, symmetry and neutral shades in your garden? Then look away. Cosmos are the perfect plant for creating a wild, colourful country cottage feel in your backyard.
They grow to around one metre tall, come in a range of shades and are fantastic for growing in a mass of colour. Which is why I recommend buying as many as you can afford - and remember, they'll seed down and pop up again in another year, so it'll be money well spent.
Pop down to your local supermarket, Bunnings or The Warehouse and grab yourself some of Awapuni Nurseries' seedlings. Our seedlings are the ones wrapped in newspaper or biodegradable pots - you'll never see our plants packaged in plastic.
Alternatively, head to our online store and get your seedlings delivered direct to your door. We guarantee you'll be totally satisfied with the plants you receive and if you have any concerns you can call us on 0800 33 2000.
Once you've got your seedlings and selected a spot to plant, dig in a good general fertiliser, like nitrophoska blue, to the soil. Then simply dig a little hole and place your seedling inside. I recommend planting your seedlings around 10cm apart from each other. This will allow them space to grow but ensure they're close enough to support each other against the wind.
It won't be long until your cosmos start flowering and they'll continue to do so until the first frost in around June next year.
