The Essential Guide To The Cosmos
Botanical Name: Cosmos spp.
Common Name: Cosmos
General Knowledge: The cosmos flower originates from Mexico, where it grows in a wild and untamed manner, showcasing its vibrant and colourful petals. People commonly use it in gardens and floral arrangements due to its delicate appearance and its ability to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. A fun fact about the cosmos flower is that its name is derived from the Greek word ‘kosmos’, meaning ‘beautiful’, which is a fitting description for this enchanting and graceful flower.
Colour Range: Cosmos flowers come in a variety of colours, including pure white, yellow, gold, reds, chocolate-brown, pink, magenta, and lilac. All variations typically have a yellow centre.
Australian Seasonal Availability: Cosmos flowers are available in Australia from summer to early autumn.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: While Cosmos flowers are available during the summer and early autumn, they are noted as not being suitable for wedding designs. However, they can still add a vibrant and delightful touch to other events and gatherings during their availability.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Yes, cosmos flowers are commercially grown in various regions of Australia.
Imported into Australia: While they are grown locally, some specific varieties may be imported depending on demand and availability.
Buying Tips: Look for Cosmos flowers that are just starting to open up, with petals that are not yet lying flat. Ensure the blooms are vibrant and show no signs of wilting or damage.
Design Tips and Advice: Cosmos flowers serve as focal to transitional elements in floral arrangements. Their simple and charming appearance makes them most suited to simple vase arrangements, bringing a touch of nature’s beauty to any setting.
Flower Maturity: Select blooms that are just starting to open for the freshest appearance.
Expected Vase Life: Cosmos flowers generally have a short vase life of 4–5 days.
Typical Stem Length: The stems of Cosmos flowers typically range from 40–50 cm.
Typical Bunch Size: The number of stems per bunch can vary.
Floral Preservatives: The use of floral preservatives is recommended to extend the vase life of Cosmos flowers.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Cosmos flowers have variable sensitivity to ethylene, depending on the cultivar.
Temperature Requirements: Maintain cool storage conditions at 2–4 °C. However, as Cosmos flowers have a short vase life, they should be sold quickly and not held in cool storage for extended periods.
Avoiding Potential Problems: Due to their short vase life, it is crucial to sell Cosmos flowers as soon as possible and avoid holding them in storage.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: While cool storage can help maintain freshness, avoid holding Cosmos flowers in storage due to their short vase life.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Keep stems well hydrated in fresh water with added floral preservative.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: Be mindful of the Cosmos flower’s variable sensitivity to ethylene and take steps to mitigate exposure.