Yes, I cut cosmos in bud stage because if you don't they will not last long. I would try them in plain water by themselves, maybe the snaps or bachelor's buttons are doing something.

Thanks, all bout. I've been continuing to cut them in the bud stage and they have been doing fine and playing well with others. I think that one vase got contaminated somehow and it was just a coincidence that it happened just as I was starting to cut the cosmos as buds.

I appreciate your taking the time to answer.

ThinMan

ThinMan, (and others!) when you cut, how many buds do you usually have on the stem, and how many of them open in the vase? My fear is always that I will cut then with buds and most of the buds won't open. Do you usually have at least one already-opened bloom on the stem?

:)
Dee

I have been cutting them when the bud has become pointed. At least half of these open the next day, and the rest by the following day. Usually, the rest of the buds on the stem are more immature and I often clip a lot of those off. I don't know how immature a bud can be and still open in the vase, but I think it would need to be at least showing color.

ThinMan