Cosmos Chocolate

SKU: F1081.pkt

Cosmos Chocolate is a true rarity for the flower garden: the only perennial species in the cosmos family...

Cosmos Chocolate is a true rarity for the flower garden: the only perennial species in the cosmos family, grown for its velvety, deep maroon-brown blooms and a genuine chocolatey fragrance that becomes noticeable as the evening cools.

Where the cosmos most Kiwi gardeners know, the airy Cosmos bipinnatus, is grown fresh from seed each summer and pulled out at season's end, Cosmos Chocolate works differently. It forms small tuberous roots underground, so with a bit of winter protection in the right spot, the same plant can return year after year rather than starting from scratch every spring. That makes it a lovely, low-fuss addition to a cottage garden or a mixed border, where its dusky colour sets off brighter neighbours beautifully.

Plants form a tidy, well-branched clump to around 40-60cm, flowering freely in full sun or a spot with a little afternoon shade. The bowl-shaped blooms open through summer and into autumn, and regular deadheading keeps fresh flowers coming rather than letting the plant put its energy into seed.

Pop a few stems in a small vase near a doorway or outdoor table and the chocolate scent will do the rest.

It's a first-year flowering perennial, so you'll get blooms from seed sown this season, not just foliage. Given that it's still fairly new to home-growing from seed here, it also makes a great talking point in the garden or a great gift for a gardening friend who's after something a little different.

If you’re in a cooler zone, we’d suggest growing in containers and/or not leaving your tubers in the ground over winter.

Growing Cosmos Chocolate

Sow from September through to January, transplanting seedlings rather than sowing direct. Use a good-quality seed-raising mix in containers with drainage, and cover the seed only lightly, as it's very fine and needs just a light press rather than a deep covering. Keep the mix constantly moist (not wet) at around 20°C until germination, which typically takes 5-10 days, then grow seedlings in a slightly cooler spot once they're through. Soil temperatures of 18-24°C give the most reliable results. Transplant into a full sun or part-shade position once seedlings are large enough to handle, and expect flowers around 75-90 days after transplanting, with plants reaching a mature height of 40-60cm.

NZ $6.00

heirloom

fragrant

bee-friendly

Botanical Name

Cosmos atrosanguineus

Lifecycle

Perennial

Sowing Time

September - January

Preferred Site

Full Sun / Partial Shade

Preferred Growing Method

Transplant

Soil Temperature for Optimum Germination

18-24°C

Days to Germination

5-10

Days to Maturity

75-90 days from transplant

Plant Height

Grows to 40-60cm

Seed per gram (Approximately)

118

Germination

65%+ 07/26 Supplier

Sowing Time

Sowing time refers to the optimum time for sowing seed of a variety to encourage strong and vigorous growth. Whilst some varieties may be able to be sown outside the range suggested, they will generally perform best when sown in the approximate seasonal ranges provided.

A lot of seeds need consistent warmth to help them germinate. The best way to achieve this is to sow at the right time. By sowing in season when the conditions are optimum for seed germination you are increasing your chances of success. Slight bottom heat, approximately 20°C, can speed germination of many varieties.

To reference the best sowing times for a variety, we use sow numbers as detailed here:

Early Spring
Late Spring & Early Summer
Late Summer & Early Autumn

Growing Method

TRANSPLANT

Containers: Seeds can be sown in pretty much any container, tray or pot. Ensure the container has drainage holes in the bottom.
Mix Preparation: Use a good quality, seed raising mix and fill the container to within 2cm from the rim. Always use a commercially formulated seed raising mix to ensure sterility of the growing medium which will prevent possible infection of your seedlings. Use the palm of your hand to press down on the mix to create a firm surface.
Sowing: Sow seed evenly providing some space between seeds. Lightly cover the seed with seed raising mix, a sieve may be useful. Depth should be no more than twice the diameter of the seed. In the case of very fine seed no covering is needed. Use the palm of your hand to press down on the mix to create a firm surface.
Watering: Water the tray either by a watering can or hose using a very fine spray or place the tray into a tray of water and leave to soak until the surface appears glossy.
Environment: A piece of glass with a few thicknesses of paper on top may be placed over the container to prevent the mix surface from drying out. Turn glass daily so that the dry side is downwards. Cling film or recycled clear plastic meat trays can also be used. Check daily for signs of germination and remove covering as soon as seedlings appear, exposing the tender plants gradually to the full sunlight.
Seedling Growth: If growing on a window sill, turn the container every day to maintain an even growth and to keep the seedlings from stretching towards the light. When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into a suitable container approximately 4cm apart. Harden off plants gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before planting in their final growing location.
Moisture Management: Keep trays moist but not drenched to ensure germination and rapid growth. Overhead watering can be used initially but once seeds germinate and a leaf canopy establishes it is best to water from below by soaking the trays in water to avoid the development of diseases. When watering overhead, water earlier in the day to prevent having wet leaves overnight when the conditions are not as suitable for drying. The mix within the tray should appear dark and not brown to indicate appropriate moisture levels.

Annual

A plant that completes its entire life cycle (germinates, grows a plant, flowers, produces seed, dies) in one season. It may self-sow, thereby giving the impression of being perennial. Most annuals will flower 60 to 75 days from sowing.

Hardy Annual

An annual that does not need to be germinated indoors but can be sown direct into its growing position in the garden in spring and is tolerant of frost.

Tender Annual

An annual that is frost tender and can be germinated indoors. Sowing direct or planting outdoors must not occur until all danger of frost has passed (also known as a Half-Hardy Annual).

Biennial
A plant that completes its entire life cycle in two years - growing in the first, reproducing and dying in the second. Typically, but not always, producing flowers only in the second year.

Perennial

A plant that can live for more than two years, surviving the winter and flowering each year from the second season. Perennials may flower within 90 days of sowing in their first season but will more typically flower in their second season.

Hardy Perennial

A perennial that is frost tolerant.

Tender Perennial

A perennial that is frost tender.

Hardy

A plant that will survive frost.

Tender

A plant that will not survive frost.

Bolting

Going to seed. Premature formation of a seed stalk, may be due to plant stress.

Botanical Name

The formal scientific name conforming to the International Code of Nomenclature for plants. Identifies the genus and species to which the plant belongs useful in distinguishing plants uniquely.

Cotyledon

The seed leaves or first leaves that emerge from a germinated seed, different in form from the later true leaves.

True Leaves

The leaves that emerge after the cotyledons which are indicative of the true form
of the plant’s leaves.

Determinate

Growth stopped by development of terminal flower buds. A dwarf/bush variety which sets fruit in a concentrated period.

Indeterminate

Growth continuing indefinitely when leaf buds form at the tip of the growth. These varieties need to be staked and continue to set fruit until frost.

Heirloom

A variety that is older than two generations (50 years). Can also be referred to as “Heritage” and is always an open pollinated variety selected for garden performance (flavour, long harvest).

Hybrid

A plant resulting from a cross between two parent plants to give a genetically superior plant i.e. improved disease resistance, better vigour, more uniform harvest. Normally, seed saved from hybrids does not grow true to type.

F1 - The first generation of such a cross. Denoted in the name of the variety.

F2 - The second generation of such a cross etc.

Open Pollinated

Natural cross between plants of the same variety. Refers to non-hybrid seeds or plants.

Scarification

The practice of scratching, sanding, notching or nicking the seed coat to assist germination. Used for seed of species that have very hard seed coats.

Stratification

The process of chilling seeds to promote germination by breaking dormancy. Can be artificially carried out by placing seed in your fridge. Follow specific instructions online for the period of chilling time.

Surface Sow

Seed that requires light to germinate. Sow seed on the surface. Press down into the soil. Keep moist.

Germination

Seed germination is the process by which a seed sprouts and begins to grow into a plant. It involves rehydrating the seed, activation of metabolic processes and the emergence of a young seedling from the seed coat. This process is triggered by factors like temperature, water and in some cases light.

Viability

The ability of seeds to germinate.

Vigour

The speed and the strength of the plant to establish well.

Delivery

Courier delivery by NZ Post.

Delivery available only to valid New Zealand
addresses.

The appropriate delivery charge will be applied at checkout.

Delivery charges are subject to change without notice.

You can track the status of your shipment via the link provided in your order confirmation email or by logging into your account online.

Click n Collect

Seed can only be collected from our warehouse at 189 Wharawhara Rd, Katikati.

Select Click n Collect at the checkout.

Click n Collect does not apply for collection at any Kings Seeds stockists nationwide.

Returns

Seed or Products can only be returned with authorisation from Kings Seeds.

Any request for the return of Seed or Products must be made within 14 days of delivery to info@kingsseeds.co.nz

Returned Seed or Products will only be accepted if unopened and in the same condition as when supplied and a record of your purchase can be found.

The Customer shall pay all costs in relation to return of the Seed or Products unless it is deemed a warranty issue.

Please see our Terms & Conditions of Sale for further information on our Returns Policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I sow Cosmos Chocolate seeds in New Zealand?

Sow from September through to January, aiming for a soil temperature of 18-24°C. Start seeds in trays or containers of good-quality seed-raising mix, and transplant seedlings out once they're large enough to handle, rather than sowing directly into the garden.

How long does Cosmos Chocolate take to germinate, and what can I do to improve my success?

Germination usually takes 5-10 days at around 20°C. The seed is fine and shouldn't be buried, just pressed lightly onto the surface of a moist seed raising mix. Keep the mix evenly moist rather than wet while you wait, avoid letting it dry out, and give seedlings a slightly cooler spot once they've come through. Because this variety is uncommon from seed and doesn't set seed as freely as everyday annual cosmos, germination can be a little more variable than you might be used to. A gentle bottom heat mat to hold that 18-24°C soil temperature steady, and patience, will get the best results from your packet.

Is Cosmos Chocolate the same as ordinary garden cosmos?

No. The cosmos most gardeners grow, Cosmos bipinnatus, is an airy annual in shades of pink, white and crimson. Cosmos Chocolate (Cosmos atrosanguineus) is a different species altogether, and the only perennial one in the cosmos family. It has deep maroon-brown, chocolate-scented flowers and forms tuberous roots rather than growing, flowering and finishing within a single season.

Does Cosmos Chocolate come back every year, or do I need to replant it?

Grown as a perennial, it can return from its tuberous roots year after year, particularly in milder parts of New Zealand. It's fairly hardy, but sensitive to a hard frost or if the ground freezes, so its long-term survival outdoors really comes down to your local winter. In cold or frost-prone gardens, many gardeners treat it as a lovely first-year annual instead, or take the extra step below to protect it over winter.

Why has my Cosmos Chocolate died back and gone bare over winter? Is that normal?

Yes, that's completely normal and not a sign anything has gone wrong. As a tuberous perennial, the top growth naturally dies down once the weather cools, with the plant going dormant and drawing back into its roots for winter, much like a dahlia. Don't be tempted to pull it out, unless you are transplanting to a pot. Cut the dead foliage back close to ground level and leave the roots undisturbed in the soil.

How do I protect Cosmos Chocolate over winter?

In mild, sheltered gardens, a thick layer of mulch, straw or dry leaves spread over the dormant crown in autumn is usually enough to keep the roots insulated from frost through winter. In colder inland or frost-prone gardens, it's safer to lift the tuberous roots after the foliage has died back, let them dry off for a few days, and store them somewhere cool, dry and frost-free until you replant in spring, the same way you would with dahlias. Growing Cosmos Chocolate in a large pot is another good option for colder areas, as you can simply shift the whole container somewhere sheltered, like a garage or covered porch, once it goes dormant.

Is the chocolate scent real, and when will I notice it?

Yes, it's a genuine, gentle chocolate fragrance rather than a marketing name. It tends to be most noticeable in the warmth of a still evening, so it's worth positioning a plant or two somewhere you'll sit or walk past after the sun goes down, like near a patio or path.

Is Cosmos Chocolate good for cutting or container growing?

Its rich colour and scent make it a lovely addition to a small posy, and cutting a few stems for the house won't set the plant back. It also grows well in a large pot with free-draining potting mix, which is a handy option if you'd like to move it under cover for winter protection or don't have garden space to spare.