Hi

I was given a Chocolate Cosmos plant for my birthday in May from Marks and Spencer's and it came in its own compost and a pot to plant it in, but I'm not sure how it will survive outside in the winter so was hoping someone might have some ideas on this if they have had one of these plants before. 

I have this vague recollection from the label that has since gone missing that I am supposed to store the root bulb in some sort of sand but am not sure if I am supposed to cut it right back and what type of sand am I supposed to use.  Help!

Alison

Hi Al

Does it have to be special sand or just normal sand or could I leave it in the pot and maybe cover with a fleece?

Ali

Hi

The first bit seems the better option for me, so do I need to cut back the plant or just put it in the sand in a bag as it is until next spring?

Ali

Thanks Al

That sounds a good idea, will be off to my local GC to get some of the right sand, the top growth has nearly died off now so a week and I can store it in my garage.

 Ali

Thanks, had a look at the site and saved the page for further reference.

Ali

Hi

You can lift them dry them out and store till spring in dry compost, or leave them in the ground and cover the crown with a thick layer of chipped bark or similar. If you are lifting them they may look dead by the time of planting. Do not bin them as they will not start new growth till late spring.

Bazza

Thank you all for your words of advice.  I am hopeful my Cosmos will survive to grow again next year.

 Ali

oops just finding my way around the site having not been for a while, didn't mean to join in the conversation but ....  Was pleased to find this question, I planted some Chocolate Cosmos, bought from Sarah Raven's plug plant sale, this Spring. They provided a wonderful display with White Tobacco plant planted in a newly reclaimed circular bed.  A huge Mahonia Charity was removed, three big barrowloads of manure were placed in and dug in over winter.  I am hoping that the great soil preparation and a heap of two year old apple tree prunings will get both through the winter.  Crossing fingers.

We're on a farm therefore lots of prunings which happily we have space to rot down - really well.  I normally use for paths, has anyone else used apple tree prunings as mulch without putting on a slow release fertiliser underneath to combat nitrogen effect?

Pearl

Pearl Taylor

Hi

You can use any tree prunings that have been shredded or chipped in the green, as a mulch. There will not be much nitrogen loss by laying it on top of the soil, but more so if it is buried. Any nitrogen loss will be replaced as the wood eventually breaks down.

Bazza

Thanks.  Good to know, I was anxious as I've put in some rescue plants from Wyevale which are small but didn't want them to be in too big a fight with wind from Black Mountains and nutrient loss.

I was confused as someone had said apple tree prunings are a bit different.

Pearl