Cosmos problems (leaves curling)

jr5689

Hi all,

My cosmos seeds started in a seed tray and strong seedlings were were moved to the garden (Essex) about three weeks ago. About 50% are doing well but for the other 50% the leaves are curling up. Below are a couple of examples of the most severe curling. Any ideas please what the problem might be?

Thanks...

Lyn

Are you sure they’re cosmos?

Grannybee

It is still a bit cold at night for cosmos to be out. Leaves curl up....  If the forecast is for cold nights, then cover with fleece. Best night time temps are 10 deg +.  Last night here in Hampshire it was 3 degrees. My cosmos is still tucked up in the green house at night.

Lyn

So are mine but they haven’t got leaves like those. 
perhaps they are just very close up photos. 

Alchemist

Are these the tuberous variety? My regular cosmos has fine leaves where as the chocolate cosmos which comes as a tuber looks like these.....

Lyn

Ah, right, in that case it’s a bit early to put the chocolate one outside. 

Alchemist

Agree completely with Lyn  my usual cosmos have been outside against a sheltered wall for the last 2 weeks (fleeced at night), due to necessity and are doing okay! However these tuberous ones didn’t cope well at all. In fact, lost a stem due to frost/dieback and is inside now. 

jr5689

Hi all

Thanks for replies. They are cosmos seeds not tubers. I have watched the local weather forecast since planting out a few weeks ago and there has been no frost or 0 deg. There has been one or two nights of 3 deg but I thought that was ok. Below is a photo of a more healthy looking one - about 6 weeks old and stem about 5cm. This is my first time growing from seed so I am not sure what they are supposed to look like at this age.  If yours looks different can you please post a photo  

pitter-patter

Your seedlings definitely look like Cosmos to me, Jr.

This discussion has got me thinking... I’ve planted some Cosmos ‘Purity’ seeds from a well-known supplier (SR), but the seedlings don’t look like typical cosmos. In fact, they look more like poppy. The seeds don’t look like typical cosmos seeds either, as they’re spherical. Am I growing something else?

pitter-patter

Inspired by yet another thread I went looking for the seed packet to see if there’s a code on the inner envelope. There is one! Apparently I’m growing Argemone platyceras. I can see how the mix up was possible. Both seed packets feature large single white flowers with yellow centres, but still rather disappointing coming from SR.

Dovefromabove

pitter-patter said:

Your seedlings definitely look like Cosmos to me, Jr.

This discussion has got me thinking... I’ve planted some Cosmos ‘Purity’ seeds from a well-known supplier (SR), but the seedlings don’t look like typical cosmos. In fact, they look more like poppy. The seeds don’t look like typical cosmos seeds either, as they’re spherical. Am I growing something else?

Not cosmos ... not in a month of Sundays 🧐