Cosmos
Cosmos bipinnatus
Cosmos in the garden
Cosmos in the garden
Cosmos harvesting and drying in the dehydrator
Cosmos harvesting and drying in the dehydrator
Dried Cosmos
Dried Cosmos
Cosmos are native to Mexico, and eventually made their way to the United States. They have a history of being used for attracting beneficial insects, such as lacewings, that feed on pest insects and provide pollination for surrounding plants.
Cosmos are native to Mexico, and eventually made their way to the United States. They have a history of being used for attracting beneficial insects, such as lacewings, that feed on pest insects and provide pollination for surrounding plants.
Sow cosmos directly into soil after the last frost, or sow indoors 4-6 weeks prior to the last frost. If sowing indoors first, transplant seedlings outdoors once the last frost has passed. Cosmos require full sun. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and thin the seedlings 12-18 inches apart when they are a few inches tall. Flowers should bloom at about 7 weeks when growing from seed. Cosmos can grow 18-60 inches tall, so stakes may be necessary for support. Water regularly, but do not overwater; cosmos are draught-tolerant.
Sow cosmos directly into soil after the last frost, or sow indoors 4-6 weeks prior to the last frost. If sowing indoors first, transplant seedlings outdoors once the last frost has passed. Cosmos require full sun. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and thin the seedlings 12-18 inches apart when they are a few inches tall. Flowers should bloom at about 7 weeks when growing from seed. Cosmos can grow 18-60 inches tall, so stakes may be necessary for support. Water regularly, but do not overwater; cosmos are draught-tolerant.
When harvesting, cut the flower off the stem to use for natural dyeing.
When harvesting, cut the flower off the stem to use for natural dyeing.
The petals of a cosmo plant are where their dye color comes from. Flowers are placed in a dehydrator for 8-12 hours and then stored in a cool, dry area until they were ready to be used for dyeing.
The petals of a cosmo plant are where their dye color comes from. Flowers are placed in a dehydrator for 8-12 hours and then stored in a cool, dry area until they were ready to be used for dyeing.
When creating a dye concentrate with Cosmos, it is important to use hot water rather than cold.
When creating a dye concentrate with Cosmos, it is important to use hot water rather than cold.
Fabric should be mordanted before dyeing with cosmos.
Fabric should be mordanted before dyeing with cosmos.
The fresh or dried plants work well with bundle dyeing as well.
The fresh or dried plants work well with bundle dyeing as well.
Dye concentrate recipe:
Dye concentrate recipe:
24 grams dried orange cosmos
24 grams dried orange cosmos
16 grams dried yellow cosmos
16 grams dried yellow cosmos
72 ounces water
72 ounces water
Simmer mordanted fabric in dyestuff for 1 hour at 140° Fahrenheit.
Simmer mordanted fabric in dyestuff for 1 hour at 140° Fahrenheit.
Let fabric soak in dye bath for 24 hours at room temperature, then strain and rinse.
Let fabric soak in dye bath for 24 hours at room temperature, then strain and rinse.
