====== Yellow Cosmos ======

===== Botanical Information =====
^Botanical Information^^
^Order | Asterales|
^Family | Asteraceae|
^Genus | Cosmos|
^Common Name | Sulfur Cosmos, Yellow Cosmos|
^Species | sulphureus|

===== Maturity days =====
* 50-60 days

===== Planting Months =====
^Planting months^^^^^^^^^^^^
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|X    |X    |X    | X   | X   | X   | X   |X    |X    |X    |X    |X    |

{{tag>
january
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===== Permaculture uses =====
^Permaculture uses^^^
| Usage 1| Usage 2 | Usage 3 |
| Pioneer| bee food, ground cover| herb, tea, edible leaves|

===== Growing condition comments =====
^Growing Condition ^Comment^
|Drought Tolerant |Highly drought tolerant|
|Humidity tolerant |Prefers dry conditions|
|Planting area |Well-drained soil, poor soil conditions|
|Sunlight |Full sun, at least 6-8 hours daily|

===== Photos =====
^Photos^^^
|{{:wiki:cosmos_1.jpg?200|}}|{{:wiki:cosmos_2.jpg?200|}}|{{:wiki:cosmos_3.jpg?200|}}|

===== Recipes =====

|{{topic>PLANT_PAGE_NAME_recipe&simplelist&nodate&nouser}}|

===== Short comments =====
Yellow cosmos is a fast-growing annual with vibrant yellow to orange flowers, thriving in poor soil and hot, dry conditions.

===== General comments =====
=== Ecology ===
Native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Attracts pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. Can become invasive in your garden (though easily weeded out) due to vigorous growth and self-seeding nature.

=== Uses ===
Flowers are used for natural yellow to orange dyes. 
Excellent cover crop - survives long hot summers.
Resistant to mildews and diseases or pest attack.
Excellent chop and drop plant, fast growth. 

=== Food ===
Young shoots can be eaten raw or cooked. Flowers are edible and can be used to add color to salads or as a garnish.

=== Planting Depth ===
Shallow plant seeds. If you have a lot of seeds, broadcasting them in an area and applying water will result in them growing. One of the easiest plants to grow by seed.

=== Inoculant ===
No specific inoculant required.

=== Seed Saving Tips ===
Allow flowers to dry on the plant. Collect seeds when the flower heads have turned brown and dried. Store in a cool, dry place.

===== Tags =====
{{tag>
Asterales
Asteraceae
Cosmos
Sulfur_Cosmos
Annual
Bee_food
Full_sun
townsville_summer
Pioneer
Garden_bed
Ground
edible_leaves
}}