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Cosmos Atrosanguineus (chocolate cosmos) from seed

Finnish_FennelFinnish_Fennel Posts: 16
in Problem solving
I got a packet of Cosmos Atrosanguineus seeds, and I'm very keen to get cracking and see how they'll get on. I was wondering if I could ask for some advice on propagating these specialties from seed? As I understand these are usually propagated vegetatively, and one packet of seeds contains 5 seeds; I'm keen to make each of them count :D

I'd be very happy to hear from your experiences growing these cosmos from seeds, and if you've got any little nuggets of advice for me!




Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    edited April 2021
    Where did you get the seeds?

    The real Chocolate Cosmos is sterile and so is usually propagated by basal cuttings in spring.    It is frost tender and needs shelter over winter.

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/4529/Cosmos-atrosanguineus/Details
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    edited April 2021
    Possibly these @Obelixx
    https://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/item_399N_cosmos_atrosanguineus_black_magic


  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Well, that's exciting.   If they were bought from Chilterns they should have sowing info included in the packaging or else on the website.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Just had a look, didn't know they were available. Probably just as well, l've got so many seeds to sow already. 
    Are these the ones @Finnish_Fennel ?
  • Finnish_FennelFinnish_Fennel Posts: 16
    Hei @AnniD and @Obelixx - I got mine form Germany (deaflora.de), and before I stumbled upon those I also figured these are only propagated from basal cuttings. As far as I can tell seeds for these are pretty rare still (there's only 5 to a packet).

    I'll follow what's on the packet; start them off indoors April/May, cover thinly, and keep at 20 degrees. Hope I'll get at least one to enjoy the lovely scent!
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Do please let us know how you get on.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • InglezinhoInglezinho Posts: 568
    edited April 2021
    I was always told Cosmos atrosanguineus was virtually sterile and could only be propagated from cuttings. Are you sure this is not a scam? How much did you pay for them? If they are genuine, most other Cosmos are pretty easy. Sun and warmth. It is very early still for tropicals I wouldn't sow them yet, or on a heated mat in the greenhouse. Please tell me: are they annuals - like most Cosmos- or perennials?

    If you want something chocolate-scented Columbine (Aquilegia) " Chocolate Soldier" is hardy, perennial and can be sown outside in May. Best scent of all is the orchid Oncidium "Sharry Baby" - must be grown as a house plant as it hates cold, in a W or E facing position. Good luck!
    Everyone likes butterflies. Nobody likes caterpillars.
  • InglezinhoInglezinho Posts: 568
    If you want something chocolate-scented perennial and hardy ( can be sown outside) Columbine (Aquilegia) 'Chocolate Soldier". Best scent of all: an orchid, Oncidium "Sharry Baby", must be grown as a house plant, as it hates cold, in an E or W facing position.

    I looked this up as it is something I have never personally grown. It is a native of Mexico and for many years was thought to be extinct, but several sites have been subsequently found in the Central Mountains. It is not considered hardy in the UK, however. It forms a tuber, which should be lifted before frost in Autumn, as Dahlia. The fact that is has been found in more than one location suggests it may not be sterile. I would still like to know where the seeds come from, however.

    Everyone likes butterflies. Nobody likes caterpillars.
  • Finnish_FennelFinnish_Fennel Posts: 16
    @Obelixx Update! Two of the seeds have definitely germinated; I am still optimistic on the other three.

    Time between sowing and germinating was 8 days; I did not give them any special treatment (would have placed them on top of the fridge for a little bit for some extra heat; was not necessary)other than keeping them indoors somewhat close to a window. Seeds were sown in a 8 cm. pot, covered lightly with compost.

    @Inglezinho not sure where the seeds originate, but have contacted the supplier for more info. Thanks for recommending the chocolate Aquilegia! I'll definitely give that one a try.

    Also learned about a chocolate scented dahlia (Karma Choc), or, at least according to the literature, the flower emits some sort of chocolatey fragrance. I splurged on Karma Naomi this year. Crumbs.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Congratulations @Finnish_Fennel and thanks for letting us know.  Don't give up on the others as they may just need extra time.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
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