I actually planted several cosmos over the last week. When do you think they will come up? Any other suggestions? :)

I would also take some extra fresh hips, soak them and remove the fruit from the seeds, do not let the seed dryout, plant them right away in a pot and keep it outside and moist, let the winter do it's thing and you would get some sprouting in the spring. I got rose hips to sprout in place right in the ground this way too. See the winter propagation info on the seed propagation forum. I think it is still in the FAQ link at the top of the forum. I just went over there and now there is a separate forum on winter sowing, too. Here is a link that might be useful: winter stratification etc

tlbean, Yes. If it split open and you can see the seeds, they are ready. You can plant them now if you want. You can also save them til next year, it's up to you. Congrats on wanting to grow your own, you never know what color you will end up with. It's fun!

I'm remulching and cleaning up some of the garden. Would like more coneflowers, can I sow them now? It is still pretty hot but I can keep them watered once they sprout. I live near Houston.