Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Apricot Lemonade’ is an annual plant, not a perennial. This means that it completes its life cycle within one year, going from seed to flower to seed again before dying off. Unlike perennials, which can live for multiple years, annuals are typically planted each year to ensure a continuous display of flowers.
I have personally grown Cosmos ‘Apricot Lemonade’ in my garden, and it has always performed as an annual. Every spring, I sow the seeds directly into the soil or start them indoors and transplant them outside once the danger of frost has passed. The plants grow quickly and begin to produce their stunning pale apricot flowers in mid to late summer.
One of the reasons I enjoy growing annuals like Cosmos is their ability to provide a burst of color and beauty in a relatively short period of time. They are perfect for filling in gaps in the garden or adding interest to containers. ‘Apricot Lemonade’ is particularly eye-catching due to its unique color, which is a soft and delicate shade of apricot.
The flowers of ‘Apricot Lemonade’ are single, meaning they have a single layer of petals, rather than being double or semi-double. This gives them a light and airy appearance. The flowers measure around 3-4 inches in diameter, making them a noticeable focal point in the garden.
As an annual, Cosmos ‘Apricot Lemonade’ will continue to bloom throughout the summer and into the fall. However, once the first frost arrives, the plants will begin to decline and eventually die off. At this point, it is time to remove the spent plants and prepare the garden for the next season.
If you want to enjoy ‘Apricot Lemonade’ year after year, you will need to collect the seeds from the plants before they fully dry out. Simply wait until the flowers have faded and the seed heads have turned brown. Then, carefully remove the seed heads and allow them to dry completely indoors. Once dry, you can store the seeds in a cool, dry place until it is time to sow them again next year.
Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Apricot Lemonade’ is a stunning annual plant that adds a touch of soft apricot color to any garden. Its upright, bushy growth habit and single flowers make it a standout choice for both beds and containers. While it may not return year after year like a perennial, the joy it brings during its short life cycle is well worth the effort of replanting each spring.
