Mona's Orange Cosmos

Radiant orange, mostly single-petalled blooms, 2-2½ in. on 6-7 ft. plants. About 10% have red-bordered petals with some interior red streaks. Blooms all summer, very hardy, and petals are edible. Introduced 1990 by SESE. Family heirloom from southern California. (Cosmos sulphureus, 59 days. Pkt is about 52 seeds. How to Grow: Annual. Germination: 14 days, 70 degrees F. Prefers full sun. Tolerates partial shade, poor soils, and drought once established. For earlier blooms sow indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Or sow outdoors after all danger of frost. Plant 1/4” deep; thin to 12”-14” spacing. Deadhead to prolong blooming. Seed heads will attract birds.