Anyone tried Cosmos Xanthos?

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Baalmaiden, Feb 26, 2025.

  1. Baalmaiden

    Baalmaiden Gardener

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    I have been given seeds of C. Xanthos, the pale yellow one. In your experience is it as easy as the pink varieties? I have not had success with the yellow and orange ones before, I think they need it hotter than my garden.
     
  2. Butterfly6

    Butterfly6 Super Gardener

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    I’ve grown it in the past. Found it easy to grow and I’m not an attentive seed grower. Very pretty and good flowering. Lovely colour too.

    Like you, I’ve struggled (and usually failed) with the orange ones. Frustrating as I love the zingy colours. But Xanthos was great. I haven’t grown it for a few years but only because it’s very compact so would be lost in my borders. Having being reminded about it, as may have to get some to grow for my pots. I tried Cosmos Kiiro last year, very disappointing as it was more of a mucky white than pale yellow. Xanthos had a lovely clear tone and was definitely (pale) yellow
     
  3. katecat58

    katecat58 Gardener

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    I grew Cosmos Xanthos last year and was pleased with it. I'm useless at growing seeds usually so I was happy.
     
  4. Baalmaiden

    Baalmaiden Gardener

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    Thank you guys, that's great. I shall be getting out the seed trays soon. Happy days!
     
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    • The Eden

      The Eden Apprentice Gardener

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      Note that these ones are a lot smaller (shorter) than the pink varieties. The flowers also a bit smaller. Not good in pots either. The flowers tend to grow smaller later in the season too.
       
    • katecat58

      katecat58 Gardener

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      Mine were in pots and were fine.
       
    • The Eden

      The Eden Apprentice Gardener

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      Interesting...I have grown these for every year for the last 4 years and they did not seem to do well for me. I have given up now and going for Apricotta and Xsenia.

      Maybe it's my potting mix. I tend to mix half multi purpose compost with John Innes No 2 with perlite. Someone said it might be because the mix is too free draining. I grew Apricotta last year in a pot and it was a lot bigger and taller with the same potting mix I had done for Xanthos. That's why I came to that conclusion.
       
    • AnniD

      AnniD Gardener

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      I grew Xanthos a couple of years ago and they grew and flowered well. This year I'm sowing them in a mix with Rubinato, as well as on their own.
      I agree that they're not as tall as some of the other varieties, but I do like the colour.
       
    • ViewAhead

      ViewAhead Total Gardener

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    • Butterfly6

      Butterfly6 Super Gardener

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      Apricotta would be taller than your Xanthos @The Eden as they are a variety growing to around 90cm compared to little Xanthos at 45cm.

      There’s quite a variation between the different Cosmos both in height and overall size. I’ve been caught out before when I’ve fallen in love with the colour and not checked the heights
       
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