Ahh, the dreaded leggy cosmos seedlings, it’s annoying when that happens, isn’t it? There’s something quite therapeutic about growing flowers from seed, it’s almost something that feels intrinsically right. This process of seed germination has been carried out since the dawn of time. It’s one of Mother Natures’ natural wonders. So how can this simple process go wrong? They’ve almost grown too tall and are now a bit droopy. Let’s find out how we can fix this:
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Cosmos seedlings leggy solution
Cosmos seedlings become leggy because of a lack of sunlight. When you transplant them, make sure the legs are covered. If, like me, you’ve waited too long to re-plant your seedlings and they’re reaching toward the sky, simply bury a lot of the stem in the soil. Most seedlings are fine to be planted lower in the ground in comparison to a fully developed plant because they don’t have all their leaves yet. The buried stem will develop roots quickly leaving you with a sturdier and stronger plant.
Why do cosmos seedlings get leggy?
As mentioned above, cosmos seedlings usually get leggy because they are straining towards the sunlight to ensure their survival. Now, this of course comes at a cost. The seedlings have to divert their nutrients towards growing tall towards the light whilst at the same time, sacrificing the strength of their stem. Let’s look at this in more detail:
Issues this causes
- Leggy seedlings will struggle outside – Once your cosmos seedlings are leggy, they will struggle when you transplant them outside. The chances of them falling over and snapping are high. Not only that, but if there is any wind, rain or bad weather, they will topple over.
- Disease and Pests – Once your seedlings are outside and they haven’t had time to grow a strong and sturdy stem, they become an easy target for disease and pests. A sickly-looking plant is a beacon for aphids and other garden pests.
How to prevent leggy cosmos seedlings
Light
So the absolute number one focus needs to be that you are ensuring that your seedlings are getting enough light. Without adequate sunlight, you will put your seedlings under unnecessary stress, which will, in turn, cause them to become leggy or worse, wilt and die.
Artificial Light
If you are concerned about not being able to provide them with enough natural light, you can supplement them with artificial fluorescent bulbs placed within 2.5 inches of your seedlings.
Remember if you have opted for artificial light, it is important that your light is close enough to the seedlings so they can soak up as much of it as possible for photosynthesis. You may find that you will need to continually increase the height of your artificial light as the cosmos seedlings grow taller. This is absolutely fine, I just continue to increase the height of the heat lamp whilst making sure that the source is still 2.5 inches above.
Mimicking the weather
So we’ve established that leggy cosmos seedlings are not sturdy enough to withstand things like natural weather such as strong winds and rain. So what can we do to force these leggy seedlings to grow stronger and sturdier? There are two ways:
The first method is to brush your hand against the leggy cosmos seedlings once or twice a day, which provides the plant with some resistance. The second approach is to utilize a fan and blow a gentle breeze toward them. This mimics weather conditions in order to encourage the plant to produce a thicker stem and better withstand this kind of environment.
Planting Cosmos Seedlings In The Garden
Temperature, location and Soil
Cosmos seedlings are sensitive to temperatures below 57.2 Fahrenheit (14°C) and can be damaged by frost for prolonged periods of time. Planting them in the garden is best done in a warm, sunny location with adequate, moist soil that is well-drained.
If your soil is poor, add compost to improve its nutrient levels. Cosmos seedlings should be spaced 12 to 15 inches apart, and thick mulch should be applied to the ground to aid in water retention.
Blooming
Cosmos are appropriate in cottage gardens where they create lots and lots of blooming flowers. The Cosmos may grow as little as 1ft tall to 3ft high depending on the type. This usually implies that they should be planted in the middle or rear of the border.
Cosmos are a relatively hassle-free species to cultivate, with few health or pest issues if grown in the correct way. The most significant issue is that slugs, snails and aphids harm the plants when they are young and vulnerable seedlings.
It is suggested that you lay snail pellets around the plants on the same day they are transplanted to the garden in order to defend them from pests.
How to Make the Most of the Bloom Period
The blooming period of the plant lasts from early spring until early autumn or the first frost. Depending on the species, some may rebloom after deadheading. To encourage more flowers and a second bloom, cut back the stems by one-third to one-half their height after the first flush of flowers has faded.
This will not only promote bushier growth but also give you an extra show of colour later in the season. Be sure to water regularly and apply a light fertilizer every couple of weeks to keep plants in good overall health.
Conclusion
So now you know that cosmos seedlings become leggy because they are not getting enough light. Let’s summarise what we have learnt above:
- Because of a lack of sunshine, cosmos seedlings become leggy
- It’s perfectly fine to plant seedlings lower in the ground
- The buried stem will establish roots quickly, fortifying the plant.
- Cosmos seedlings will divert their nutrients to grow taller sacrificing the strength of their stem
- Leggy seedlings will struggle outside because of weather, pests and disease
- You can prevent leggy seedlings by providing natural light, artificial light and mimicking the weather using your hand or a fan
- Cosmos seedlings can tolerate temperatures to a minimum of 57.2 Fahrenheit (14°C)
- Space your seedlings out once planted outside between 12-15 inches
- Cosmos can grow as tall as 3ft
- They are a hassle-free plant that requires little maintenance
- Lay snail pellets to prevent snails and slugs
- Deadhead your cosmos plants to encourage new growth
People Also Ask
Can you bury leggy Cosmos seedlings?
Is it possible to bury leggy seedlings deeper in the dirt? Yes, you may plant leggy seedlings deeper in the soil to compensate for their lengthy stems! However, don’t push yourself to put them further down right away because they’re still quite young and delicate. To prevent leggy seedlings from dying prematurely, make sure you water them frequently.
Why are my cosmos seedlings drooping?
There are several reasons your cosmos seedlings may be drooping: They could be thirsty, too hot, or (most common) they are not receiving enough light.
How do I make my seedlings stronger?
To make your seedlings stronger, start by planting them in high-quality soil and giving them plenty of water. You can also add a little bit of organic fertilizer to the mix. Once they’ve sprouted, make sure they’re getting enough light—eight hours a day is ideal.
Do cosmos come back every year?
Cosmos are annuals, meaning they only live for one growing season. However, they self-seed readily, so you may find new plants popping up in your garden year after year. If you want to ensure a steady supply of cosmos flowers, sow new seeds indoors every few weeks from early spring until mid-summer. That way, you’ll always have fresh plants coming up as the old ones start to fade.
What is special about cosmos flowers?
The Cosmos flower is a beautiful and popular flower that is native to Mexico. The flower has a wide range of colours, including white, yellow, orange, pink, and red. The Cosmos flower is often used in bouquets and arrangements because of its beauty. The Cosmos flower blooms in the summer and fades in the fall months.
The plant grows to be about three feet tall and does best in full sun. The soil should be well-drained and fertilized regularly. Deadheading the flowers will encourage new growth.
Why are my cosmos seedlings falling over?
The most prevalent reason for them falling over is because of a lack of or an uneven distribution of light. When the light source is too faint or far away, seedlings develop rapidly in height in order to get closer to it. As the seedling grows taller, it loses girth and strength, resulting in thin, pale stems that are stretched out.
How long does it take for seedlings to harden?
It usually takes about a week or two for seedlings to harden. Start by placing them outdoors in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the amount of time they spend outside over the course of several days. Once they’ve acclimated to being outdoors, you can transplant them into your garden.
What is the best way to water cosmos seedlings?
The best way to water cosmos seeds is to water them at the base of the plant, rather than from the top. This will help prevent damping off, a condition that can be caused by too much moisture around the stem and leaves. Water your seedlings when the soil is dry to the touch—don’t let them sit in soggy soil.
