There is something very carefree about cosmos. Probably because it grows so easily and abundantly along our highways, especially throughout the Free State.
How about replicating that same splash of colour in the garden? Cosmos grows easily from seed and if sown now will be in flower towards the end of autumn.
Cosmos tips
It grows in all garden soils in a sunny place. Like African daisies that are best sown towards the end of March, Cosmos shows off best if scatter sown directly into the flower bed and only thinned out later. Generally, 1g of seed is needed per m². Cover the seed lightly and keep moist during germination.
The traditional cosmos mix of white, pink, purple and burgundy flowers is available as Kirchhoffs Sensation Mammoth mixed (90cm tall). They are good cut flowers that that last well in the vase.
For something different there is ‘Veld Fire’ with its a mix of yellow, orange and gold blooms. Remove dead flower heads to prolong flowering. It also grows up to 90cm.
There are plenty of other flowers that can be sown from seed during this transition time, from end February to June, when it is not too hot or too cold.
Stock up on fragrance
A classic winter flower that’s grown for its fragrance is Stocks (Matthiola incanum). The densely packed flower spikes in shades of pink, mauve and white are also long lasting cut flowers.
Kirchhoffs has two heirloom varieties. The ‘Linger Longer’ mix consists of bushy, dwarf plants ( 30 to 35 cm high) that are ideal for garden beds or as container plants. To make the most of their gorgeous fragrance grow them around a patio or in pots for the patio.
The taller Stocks ‘Austral Mix’ has beautifully-perfumed double and semi double flowers in shades of white, mauve, pink, apricot and rose. Plants grow up to 50cm and flowers in late Winter-Spring.
Another stocks variety is the powerfully scented Evening scented stocks (Matthiola bicornis). It is low growing, between 20 to 50cm high, for use as a fragrant border or edging, in a rockery or even a container.
When sowing, mix the seed with finely sifted dry sand for more even distribution. Cover the seed lightly and keep the seedbed moist during germination, which takes about a week to 10 days. Evening scented stocks thrive in any soil, growing between 20cm to 50cm high.
The spice girls
Carnations can be sown all year round which makes them a fail-safe choice for this time of year, with its fluctuating temperatures. Their spicy-sweet fragrance is an added bonus and they are long lasting cut flowers.
Kirchhoffs ‘ Super Giant Chabaud ‘ is a mix of large double flowers in a range of colours. Plants grow 50cm high.
To grow successfully, carnations should get at least four hours of sunshine a day and be grown in soil that drains well.
Before sowing, loosen the soil and add compost for extra fertility. Shallow sow the seed (check the seed packet for depth) spacing 30cm apart. Keep the soil moist during germination.
Water the seedlings regularly for the first few weeks to establish their root systems. Once established, water when the topsoil is dry.
Pansies from seed
No winter garden is complete without pansies, and there are open pollinated varieties that grow easily from seed.
Kirchhoffs Engelmann’s Giants Mixed is an heirloom variety with the largest blooms of all the blotched open pollinated varieties. On the other hand, the Clear Crystal Mixed (also heirloom) has clear coloured pansies without blotches. They are very free flowering and perform best during winter. They are ideal for colour blocking.
Sow the seed in seed trays rather than direct sowing. Fill a seed tray with seedling mix and dampen it. Sprinkle the pansy seed evenly over the surface and cover with a fine layer of seedling mix, firm down and water gently. Cover the seed tray with plastic to create a microclimate during germination which can take up to14days. Once the seedlings have two true leaves they can be planted out.
For more information visit www.kirchhoffs.co.za
