Cosmos bipinnatus Double Click Mix

DOUBLE CLICK COSMOS
Family: Asteracae
Pronounced: KOS-mos bi-pin-AH-tus

 

Quick Jumps

Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes

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GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Annuals.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: All.
USDA zones: All.

Mature size:
Height: 42-46 inches (1-1.1 m).
Width: 24 inches (60 cm).
Flowering period:
Early summer until mid fall.
Flowering attributes:
White, pink and rose-red, semi double to double flowers, with yellow centers.
Leaf attributes:
Pinnaticsect green leaves gives this annual a lacy fern effect.
Growth habit:
Upright.
Light:
Full sun.
Soil:
Moist, humus rich, well-drained soil is ideal, although cosmos can also grow on poor, lean soils.
Feeding:
Add a complete organic fertilizer at planting time.
Propagation Methods:
Sow seed at 61-64°F (16-18°C) and transplant out after all danger of frost.
Sow in situ in late spring.
Pruning Methods:
Deadhead flowers to prolong blooming.

 

Rainy Side Notes

Although the double flowers are pretty, almost dahlia-like, I prefer the semi doubles, which are similar to Cosmos Psyche mix, yet with enough differences that I would grow them again. I received these seeds from Renee's Garden Seeds and was pleased with the flowers!

I love cosmos, they are great for the vase, although I hear cut flower growers grumble about this variety. They believe the stems are too weak for a good cut flower. For the home garden I think these work well as cut flowers; however, I don't mind an occassional floppy stem in my vase. Adds interest to the bouquet!

When going into fall, I like to let the plants go to seed. The goldfinches love these seeds. I've seen close to 20 birds descend upon cosmo patches of the past—a marvelous sight watching goldfinches flickering in and out of the fernlike foliage, pecking the seed heads—a marvelous feeding frenzy.

More Cosmos.

Debbie Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.