My Cosmos look dead and still haven't bloomed!
+7
I have been growing Cosmos in my flower bed for years, they always grow extremely well and bloom from early spring until a hard freeze kills them. In early spring they pop up and bloom again. However, this year they look dead and still haven't bloomed. I have been using a formula I found, on DIY, about fertilizing flowers: Coffee grounds, banana peels and egg shells blended and applied. I haven't done anything different, I'm suspicious the formula isn't good for Cosmos. Any suggestions?
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The formula that you used is not for any plants other than acid loving
The coffee grounds probably aren't hurting them unless you put a lot of the grounds on the soil and didn't work it in. As for the banana peels, they take a long time to break down and release any nutrients unless they've been composted. Egg shells, although a good source for calcium, would need to be powdered and mixed into the soil. A lot of work when you can buy a commercial fertilizer with the correct blend of nutrients in it already. I use Osmocote for all my plants, which is a slow-release fertilizer that will feed up to 4 months. Easy, proven and foolproof!
Amy, your suggestions are right on! If it was my garden I would add some compost and work it in this fall or early spring, taking some time to loosen up the soil. Since the area has worked in the past it may just need some amendment.
The only other thing that hasn't been covered is drainage or birds or pests eating the seed. The compost will help with drainage. And Osmocote is wonderful stuff.
I I hope this helps, cosmos are so pretty!
I've grown Cosmos for years and had great success with Miracle Gro!
Miracle grow is great!!
Thanks! I'll go back to Miracle Gro