Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Apricot Lemonade’ | Unique Bicolor Blooms

Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Apricot Lemonade’ | Apricot Lemonade Cosmos | Unique Bicolor Blooms

Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Apricot Lemonade’ is a spectacular modern variety that has taken the flower world by storm. Its soft, watercolor-like petals blend lemon-yellow centers into apricot-pink and lilac edges, creating a breathtaking ombré effect that changes with light and temperature.

Unlike traditional cosmos, Apricot Lemonade stands out with its compact, bushy habit and unique, soft pastel palette — ideal for bouquets, cottage gardens, and container plantings. A true favorite among florists and gardeners for its delicate color transitions and long vase life.

Plant Details

• Botanical name: Cosmos bipinnatus
• Variety: ‘Apricot Lemonade’
• Common name: Garden Cosmos, Mexican Aster
• Plant type: Half-hardy annual
• Height: 60–90 cm
• Spread: 30–45 cm
• Flower size: 6–8 cm
• Color: Lemon-yellow centers fading to apricot, pink, and lilac tones
• Blooming period: June – October
• Days to maturity: 75–90 days
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile
• Pollinator-friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects

Sowing & Growing Instructions

When to sow:

• Indoors: March–April, 4–6 weeks before last frost
• Outdoors: After all risk of frost has passed (May–June)

How to sow:

• Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in moist, well-drained compost
• Maintain a temperature of 18–22°C for germination (7–14 days)
• Transplant when seedlings are large enough to handle, spacing 25–30 cm apart
• Harden off before planting outdoors

Care Tips:

• Pinch young plants to encourage bushiness and more blooms
• Deadhead regularly to promote continuous flowering
• Avoid over-fertilizing; cosmos prefer lean soil
• Provide light staking if exposed to wind

Harvest & Vase Life

• Harvest when blooms are half to fully open
• Place stems immediately in clean, cool water
• Vase life: 7–10 days
• Flowers continue opening after cutting

Why Grow ‘Apricot Lemonade’?

✔ Unique and rare bicolor blooms – soft apricot, pink, and lemon tones
✔ Compact, well-branched habit – ideal for gardens and containers
✔ Excellent for cutting – long stems and strong vase life
✔ Easy to grow and pollinator-friendly
✔ Continuous flowering all summer to autumn

Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Apricot Lemonade’ is a dreamy pastel cosmos that adds a refreshing twist to any garden or bouquet. Its softly blended hues of apricot, lemon, and lilac shimmer in sunlight, bringing an elegant and romantic touch to floral arrangements.

A must-have for lovers of unique, painterly blooms and sustainable, long-lasting cut flowers.