Cosmos bipinnatus Rosetta Seeds

Cosmos Rosetta is a recent selection, awarded by Fleuroselect in 2016 for excellent flower colour, size and unique architecture. It blooms prolifically all season long, displaying randomly streaked pink and white flowers, some with an inner collarette. Sow in light soil in a sunny position, and then water and let nature take its course! Cosmos are practically impossible to fail!

Cosmos bipinnatus is a tender annual plant native to Mexico and the southernmost part of the United States. It belongs to the Asteraceae family alongside Dahlias and daisies, featuring the characteristic inflorescences known as a capitulum and very fine, feathery foliage. Rosetta quickly forms an 80 cm (31.5 in) high, 30 cm (11.8 in) wide clump. Flowering starts in July, 60 to 90 days after sowing, and lasts until October (or the first frosts). The flower heads measure about 10 cm (3.9 in) across and are made up of one or more layers of petals arranged around a golden central disc. Each petal is unique, randomly striped with deep pink and rose on a white background. Cosmos are a magnet for foraging insects and butterflies, including the monarch butterfly. The finely cut, cloud-like foliage resembles fennel leaves and is delicately scented. Flowers are followed by blackish, spiky seed heads (achenes).

Cosmos is an easy-going, rewarding annual that can single-handedly fill a sunny slope, border or flower bed. It is perfect for livening up romantic or cottage-style gardens. Easy to grow even by beginners, this adorable plant with its feathery green leaves and naive flowers brings light and airiness to heavier blooms such as Dahlias. It combines well with perennial sage, Verbena bonariensis and chrysanthemums until the first frosts. It is particularly useful in new gardens mixed with poppies, love-in-a-mist or cornflowers. When cut, its pretty blooms have a long vase life.