Cosmos sulphureus 'Lemonade' Seeds

A Gentle Splash of Sunshine

Cosmos sulphureus 'Lemonade' is a delightfully cheerful variety that brings a fresh burst of soft, warm colour to the summer garden. Unlike the feathery-leaved bipinnatus types, sulphureus cosmos has slightly broader, more deeply cut foliage and a naturally bushy, compact habit — making it ideal for borders, pots, and cottage garden edges. The blooms are a gorgeous soft lemon and white, semi-double and richly textured, glowing warmly in the sun from summer right through to autumn. A wonderful companion plant and an irresistible draw for bees and butterflies.

Why Gardeners Love It

• 🍋 Soft lemon and white semi-double blooms — warm, gentle colour that glows beautifully in sunlight
• 🌼 Bushy, compact habit — naturally tidy and well-branched, great for borders and containers
• ✂️ Good cut flower — cheerful and long-lasting in a vase, wonderful in informal summer arrangements
• 🐝 Outstanding for bees and butterflies — a magnet for pollinators throughout the season
• 🌱 Easy to grow from seed — fast-growing, heat-tolerant, and free-flowering in warm conditions

Growing Tips for New Zealand

Cosmos sulphureus loves warmth and performs best in full sun with well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in spring once soil has warmed, or start indoors 3–4 weeks before transplanting. Sow on the surface of moist seed-raising mix and cover lightly. Space plants 25–30 cm apart. Unlike bipinnatus, sulphureus types prefer not to be over-watered — they thrive in drier conditions and are more heat-tolerant. Deadhead regularly to keep plants flowering prolifically from summer through to autumn. Performs beautifully throughout NZ in warm, sunny positions.

What's in the Packet

Each packet contains 8 seeds of Cosmos sulphureus 'Lemonade'.