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, similar to the Cosmos Psyche mix, yet with enough differences to grow them again. I received these seeds from Renee's Garden Seeds and was pleased with the flowers!

I love the cosmos; they are great for the vase, although I hear cut flower growers grumbling about this variety. They believe the stems are too weak for a good-cut flower. For the home garden, these work well as cut flowers; however, I am okay with an occasional floppy stem in my vase. Adds interest to the bouquet!

As autumn approaches, I enjoy allowing the plants to go to seed. These seeds are a favorite of goldfinches. I've had the joy of witnessing nearly 20 birds flock to cosmos patches in the past—a delightful spectacle of goldfinches flitting in and out of the fernlike foliage, pecking at the seed heads—a genuinely entertaining feeding frenzy.

More Cosmos.

Debbie Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.