How to Grow Bright Lights
Cosmos sulphureus
Your complete guide to growing Bright Lights.
📷 Wikipedia: FlowerWhen to Plant Bright Lights
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May – June | July – September | — |
| Zone 2 | April – May | June – August | — |
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – August | — |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – July | — |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – July | — |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – July | — |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – June | — |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – June | — |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – May | — |
| Zone 10 | January | February – April | — |
| Zone 11 | January | January – March | — |
| Zone 12 | January | January – March | — |
| Zone 13 | January | January – March | — |
Companion Plants for Bright Lights
✓ Good companions
Root depth complements shallow chard roots, efficient space use
Attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps that control pests
Deters pests like aphids and leaf miners with strong scent
Shares similar water needs and provides ground cover to retain moisture
Repel nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects
Act as trap crop for aphids and flea beetles, protecting chard
Repel common chard pests and improve soil health
Compatible growing requirements and harvest timing
✗ Keep away from
Produces allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of most vegetables
Compete for similar nutrients and may attract same pests like flea beetles
Can shade chard and compete for nutrients due to vigorous growth
