Overview

Mexican aster (Cosmos bipinnatus) likes full sun and tolerates dry, porous soil. This annual flower grows 48 inches high and spreads up to 24 inches wide. Pink, red and white blossoms bloom from summer into the fall.

Propagation

Plant seeds after all frost danger have past. Seeds germinate in 1 week when temperatures are from 68 to 86 degrees F. Blooms appear in 2 to 3 months.

Pruning

Pinch the plant back early to encourage branching and plant density.

Staking

Stake or support your Mexican asters since they tend to flop over due to their height.

Fertilizing

Over-fertilizing will cause the Mexican asters to produce heavy foliage instead of flowers.

Pests

Mexican asters are susceptible to bacterial wilt, powdery mildew, leaf spots, aphids and Japanese beetles.

Uses

Mexican asters are popular as cut flowers. It makes a dramatic landscape plant as well.