Last Updated: July 25, 2025

At Think Cosmopolitan, Inc., founded by Romain Dubus (Founder & CEO and Architect) in 2016 through the merger of Romain Dubus Corp and Makyun Corp, with expansion to Think Cosmopolitan Japan in 2021, we offer Garden Kits to bring a touch of green to your space. With a global team of a couple thousand employees and a couple hundred dedicated to Mars Project R&D, these kits support our mission of innovation, with 100% revenue reinvested to fund the Mars Project aiming for human habitats by the late 2020s.

Flowers

Impatiens

• Water daily – sometimes twice a day when temperatures rise above 85°F.
• These flowers do best with regular fertilization; if you choose to use fertilizer choose a slow release one.
• Impatiens do not need to be pruned, as they self clean their dead blossoms.

Marigold

• Give marigolds lots of sunshine.
• Make sure to deadhead (prune) the plants so they continue to bloom abundantly.
• Water well, allow soil to drain in between waterings, then water again.
• Do not fertilize marigolds.

Nasturtium

• Nasturtiums are perfect to grow with children because they grow so easily and rapidly.
• Nasturtiums prefer poorer soils and do not need any fertilizers.
• Be sure not to overwater.
• Pruning faded or dead flowers and leaves will prolong blooming.

Sunflower

• Sunflowers grow best in full sun. They are tough and will grow in any kind of soil – as long as it is not waterlogged.
• Sunflowers can withstand some drought but it is important to water during growth, which is 20 days before and after flowering.
• For bigger flowers, use a light fertilizer.

Sweet Pea

• It is helpful to soften sweet pea seeds before planting by soaking them in water overnight.
• Use a trellis to encourage growth, as sweet peas like to climb.
• To keep the vines productive, cut flowers frequently and remove faded blossoms as they appear.

Zinnia

• Water at base of plant to keep foliage and petals dry.
• Keep soil moist but not soggy for young plants, and dryer for mature zinnias, as they are somewhat drought tolerant.
• Clip the plant back often to encourage more abundant blooms.

Herbs

Basil

• If growing indoors, a fertilizer once a month can be helpful.
• Prune basil back regularly to encourage continued growth and allow for more growth.
• Harvest by pinching off individual leaves.
• Give it at least 6 hours of sunlight, and in hot temperatures water often.

Chives

• Chives prefer full sun.
• Be sure to thoroughly moisten soil when watering.
• Cut plants down to the base when harvesting about 1 to 2 inches from soil.
• Chive plants will eventually flower; flowers are edible.
• Use chives when they are fresh, as dried chives lose their flavor.

Cilantro

• Harvest cilantro by cutting leafy stems near ground level.
• Avoid cutting more than one third of the plant at a time.
• Grow cilantro in full sun and well-drained soil. Light shade will be tolerated in places where the sun is more intense.

Dill

• For an extended harvest, do not allow flowers to grow on the plants; prune buds when they first appear.
• As soon as the plant has four or five leaves you can begin harvesting.
• Pinch off the leaves or cut with scissors.

Mint

• Harvest mint sprigs before the plant flowers.
• To extend the harvest season, pinch off flowers as they appear.
• For indoor mint, place plant where it will receive morning light and away from drying or heating elements.

Parsley

• Empty saucer under parsley once water has drained in order to keep roots from becoming too saturated.
• Give parsley at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day and turn the plant every 3 to 4 days so it doesn't lean into the sun.
• Fertilizer can be helpful. Use half strength every two weeks.

Vegetables

Arugula

• When harvesting arugula pluck only the outer leaves, as the plant grows from the center. This way the plant will keep yielding edible leaves.
• Harvest often to encourage new growth.
• Once the plant begins to flower, the flavor of the leaves may become too strong. If this happens, take it out and replant with new seeds.
• It can be helpful to add compost or a light fertilizer before planting.

Cucumber

• Cucumbers like warmth. Make sure you place them in direct sunlight.
• Cucumbers require frequent deep watering so the vegetables will not become bitter tasting.
• Cucumbers like to climb. Use a trellis or small wire cage to encourage correct growth.

Jalapeño

• Keep soil moist but do not overwater. Water every other or every third day.
• Jalapeños like lots of sun.
• A plant food fertilizer is helpful for a healthy crop of fruit.
• To help harden or strengthen the plant, very gently grab the stems and move them back and forth and side to side to encourage these parts to thicken up.

Lettuce

• Lettuce grows best in cool temperatures; it is a perfect spring or fall vegetable. With hot temperatures, the leaves will become bitter.
• Harvesting leaves from the outside of the lettuce plant is the best way to get a continuous supply from your garden.
• When the lettuce begins to bolt (send out a seed stalk and flower), harvest the entire plant (this is when it will begin to taste bitter).

Pepper

• When harvesting the pepper, refrain from touching the fruit. Use a sharp knife to cut them clean off the plant for the least damage.
• Peppers can be easily damaged and may need support as they grow. You can support them with stakes or cages to prevent bending.
• A light fertilizer and proper watering will help with fruit development. Keep soil moist but do not overwater.

Tomato

• Our tomatoes are determinate, meaning they only grow to a certain size - so no pruning is necessary unless the plants are damaged.
• Soil should be kept moist, but not soggy. A good way to determine if your plant needs water is to poke your finger about an inch under the soil – if it's moist, there's no need to water.
• A balanced fertilizer can be helpful once the plant starts flowering.

Our Mission and Growth

As part of the larger Think Cosmopolitan family, our Garden Kits contribute to funding the Mars Project developing human habitats on Mars by the late 2020s.

For inquiries, email info@thinkcosmopolitan.com.