Cosmos ‘Brownie’

Cosmos atrosanguineus

Features

  • Cut-and-come-again
  • Easy to grow
  • Heat-loving
  • Suitable for containers

Description

This exciting introduction from Thompson & Morgan is the first ever chocolate cosmos available from seed. Dark, ferny foliage reveals petite, rich reddish-cocoa blooms that churn out flowers in the heat of summer and autumn. Petals look like they’ve been trimmed with pinking shears, and children love the scent of the flowers—just like dark chocolate. ‘Brownie’ has long, strong, wiry stems up to 2 ft in length, and looks stunning in both bouquets and containers.

Details

Plant type: annual/tender perennial
Height: 24 to 30 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Start seed indoors in trays 4 to 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Cosmos can also be direct-seeded once the weather has warmed.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when buds are just cracking, but haven’t fully opened. For double varieties, let open halfway before picking. Expect a vase life of 5 to 6 days.

Details

Description

This exciting introduction from Thompson & Morgan is the first ever chocolate cosmos available from seed. Dark, ferny foliage reveals petite, rich reddish-cocoa blooms that churn out flowers in the heat of summer and autumn. Petals look like they’ve been trimmed with pinking shears, and children love the scent of the flowers—just like dark chocolate. ‘Brownie’ has long, strong, wiry stems up to 2 ft in length, and looks stunning in both bouquets and containers.

Details

Plant type: annual/tender perennial
Height: 24 to 30 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Start seed indoors in trays 4 to 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Cosmos can also be direct-seeded once the weather has warmed.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when buds are just cracking, but haven’t fully opened. For double varieties, let open halfway before picking. Expect a vase life of 5 to 6 days.

Sources

How to Grow

Seed-Saving Mini Course

Learn how to save seed from zinnia, dahlia, and celosia

In our upcoming free, three-part video series, you’ll learn everything you need to know to save seeds on a home scale, including how plants are pollinated and isolation techniques to ensure varieties come back true, how to tell when plants are ready to pick and how to harvest the seeds, and how to properly dry, clean, and store seeds long term.