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When to plant Cosmos in Broward County, FL

For Broward County, gardeners: plant Cosmos November 6 through November 27 once soil reads 50°F.

When to Plant Cosmos in Broward County, FL

Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) is an airy, feathery-foliaged cottage garden annual from Mexico that thrives on neglect. It produces delicate daisy-like blooms in shades of pink, white, and magenta from midsummer until frost. Cosmos is a prolific self-sower — once established in a garden it often returns year after year without replanting. Excellent habitat plant for beneficial insects.

Broward County, Florida is in USDA Zone 11a. The average last spring frost is January 1 and the first fall frost is December 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 364 days.

At an elevation of 209 feet, Broward County receives approximately 60.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Cosmos during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cosmos will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cosmos root diseases.

Annual Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Broward County, FL (Zone 11a) Year-round
365 days
Last Spring Frost No frost
365 growing days
First Fall Frost No frost

Broward County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Cosmos Planting Timeline — Broward County, FL

Cosmos Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 4 Dec 4 – Dec 18
Transplant Outdoors November 6 Nov 6 – Nov 20
Direct Sow November 6 Nov 6 – Nov 27
Bloom January 15 Jan 15 – Aug 27

Plant 0.3" deep · 12" apart · Rows 18" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Bloom
February Bloom
March Bloom
April Bloom
May Bloom
June Bloom
July Bloom
August Bloom
September
October
November Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
December Start Indoors

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 11a

📆 Growing Season

365 days in Broward County

Growing Tips for Broward County

Direct-sow after last frost; cosmos germinates readily at 65-80°F in 7-10 days. Avoid rich soil — excess fertility produces lush foliage at the expense of blooms. Cosmos tolerates poor, dry soil exceptionally well. Pinch seedlings at 8 inches to encourage branching. Self-sows freely; allow some seed heads to mature and drop for a no-fuss perennial effect in warm climates.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cosmos in Broward County, FL?

Broward County is in Zone 11a with an average last frost of January 1. Plan your Cosmos planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Broward County, FL?

Broward County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 11a. The average last spring frost is January 1 and first fall frost is December 31.

When should I plant Cosmos in Broward County, FL?

In Broward County, FL, plant Cosmos after the last frost (around January 1) and before the first frost (around December 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Broward County, FL for Cosmos?

Broward County sits in USDA Zone 11a. Cosmos grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cosmos grow in Broward County's climate?

Yes — Cosmos grows well in Broward County's temperate climate. Broward County averages a 365-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 1 and first frost around December 31.

🌱

Your Broward County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Broward County (Zone 11a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Broward County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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