Cosmos Ladybird

Cosmos Ladybird series is a dwarf early flowering strain highly resistant to heat and arid growing conditions. The series is highly uniform, producing multiple branches from the plant’s base with fine leaves. The plants flower continuously over a long period producing an abundance of medium-sized semi-double flowers, about 2 / 5 cm. in diameter. The plants initially grow 12 inches/30 cm. tall with a spread of 16 inches/40 cm. Ultimately attaining a height of 16 inches/40 cm. by late Autumn. Cosmos Ladybird is available in orange, yellow and mix. The mix also includes scarlet

Plug Stage – 288 cell

Stage 1 (days 1–8) Single sow seeds into plug trays filled with a well drained media and cover lightly with coarse vermiculite. Maintain soil temperature at 68° F/20 °C and sufficient moisture.

Stage 2 (days 9–14) After emergence reduce moisture levels and drop the temperature to 59-68° F/15-20 °C. Place the plug trays in a well-ventilated greenhouse with high light levels. Cosmos Ladybrird is a day length neutral plant. Therefore, no day length manipulation is required for production.

Stage 3 (days 15–21) Cosmos seedlings develop quickly and require little or no fertilizer. If the media contains a starter charge no additional fertilizer is required. Otherwise, apply 50 ppm of Nitrogen using a well balanced Calcium Nitrate based feed.

Stage 4 (days 22-28) Plugs are approaching transplant stage. To maintain active growth do not delay transplanting.

Pot Production

Media: Select a well-drained media with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 and a low starter charge.

Lighting: Provide high light up to 7,000 foot candles/71,500 lux.

Fertilizer: Cosmos requires minimal fertilizer. Optimum E.C. level is 0.7 mmhos (2:1 slurry). Fertilize weekly with 100 ppm N using a calcium nitrate based formulation.

Temperature: Cosmos Ladybird grows best between 60-70 °F / 16-21 °C.

Growth Regulator: If needed apply B-9 at 5,000 ppm 15-20 days after transplanting.

Schedule: Ladybird will flower in 9-10 weeks from sowing. For cell packs it is best to sell green.

Cell Pack :Plug Tray: 392, Stage:3 weeks, Finish:3 weeks
4 inch /10 cm :Plug Tray: 288, Stage:4 weeks, Finish:5-6 weeks