Are Cosmos Started A Certain Way?

I noticed that cosmos were almost impossible to find in local nurseries lately so I bought a pack of seeds this spring to germinate indoors myself. I made drill holes with pencil eraser end and pushed the long slivers in vertically. However, only 1 in 7 sprouted under the lights, much to my disappointment and wonderment. I planted cosmo seeds outside via direct sow some years ago and had marvelous success. Are these seeds only suited for direct sow? Are there any specific inddor-growing requirement?

I just lay them horizontally on top of the soil and sprinkle a fine dusting of soil over the top of all. I am pretty sure you do not ever put them in vertically.

Orange Cosmos -- Cosmos sulphureum is one of the quickest annuals to bloom from seed, if not the quickest.. 60 days.

Suzy

Thank you for the advice, Suzy!! I figured I did something wrong.

You're welcome. I planted marigolds vertically one year and I had about 1% germination :)

Suzy