Sulfur Cosmos
Cosmos sulphureus
Annual
DYE: Orange, soft yellows, greeny-browns
 
GROW: Direct seed 18” apart in full sun after the last frost date. OR start indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outside in full sun with medium water. 
Once established they grow to 2-3’, covered with bright orange blooms from mid-summer to frost.
 
HARVEST: Harvest frequently at peak bloom, dry out of direct sunlight and store in open paper bags. 
 
EXTRACT DYE: Sulfur Cosmos contains flavonoids which enable the plant to produce a range of bright and warm colors, and has good light and wash fastness. A relatively strong dye, it requires a 1:3 ratio of dyestuff to fiber for medium color. Place the dyestuff in the dye pot and slowly bring to just below a simmer, hold for 30 minutes then let cool. Strain out the dyestuff, squeezing as much color out of the plants as you can, then compost the plant material.