Original and its cultivars appear in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Cosmos sulphureus is especially popular in Korea and Japan, where it is often seen in mass plantings along roadsides, following an initiative pursued by the Korean-Japanese botanist Woo Jang-choon.
Varieties of Cosmos sulphureus in cultivation today include 'Klondyke Mix', 'Polidor', 'Ladybird Dwarf Red', 'Ladybird Dwarf Gold', 'Ladybird Dwarf Orange', 'Ladybird Dwarf Lemon', 'Bright Eyes', 'The Diablo', 'The Polidor', 'The Sunny Red', 'Sunny Gold', and 'The Sunset'. These varieties exhibit different plant heights and flower colors, ranging from yellow to orange and scarlet. Some have double or semi-double flowers, while others have vibrant single flowers.
Cosmos sulphureus is a relatively easy plant to grow. Germination takes between 7 and 21 days at an optimal temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and flowering begins between 50 and 60 days after germination. It prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 8.5, reflecting its native habitat in the alkaline regions of Central America. This plant thrives in full sun but can handle partial shade. It is also drought-tolerant once it has germinated and rarely suffers from insect or disease damage, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners.
Apart from its beauty, Cosmos sulphureus has various uses. In Indonesia, the young shoots of the plant are eaten raw or cooked under the names 'lalab' or 'gudang'. The flowers can be used to produce an orange-yellow dye, which was traditionally used in pre-Columbian America and southern Africa to dye wool. In Thailand, the flowers are consumed in salads or herbal tea and have the effect of inhibiting pancreatic lipase. Some studies have even indicated that extracts from Cosmos sulphureus plants have hepatoprotective effects. Additionally, a Ukrainian publication highlights the organoleptic qualities of bread containing 10% dry extract of Cosmos sulphureus.
The vibrant and attractive flowers of Cosmos sulphureus are known to attract birds and butterflies, including the monarch butterfly. The plant adds color and beauty to any garden or landscape, and its self-sowing nature ensures that it can reappear year after year. Whether used in mass plantings, as a border, or as a statement piece, Cosmos sulphureus is a versatile and stunning addition to any garden.
