Gro 'n Sell

New Varieties!

Chocolate Cosmos

$64.00
Tray Size: 50 (half tray)
Variety: New Choco

This little beauty is a big improvement over seed grown strains. It branches freely, and is more heat tolerant and mildew resistant than older cultivars. It is vegetatively propagated and patented so propagation is prohibited. 

Some folks find them finicky while others have great success, and I don't know the exact combination of conditions that make them thrive. Ask others in your area for tips. (Also if you are really good at chocolate cosmos, we want to talk to YOU!)

Cherry Chocolate is a new cultivar with a new color in Chocolate cosmos. 

Available weeks 1-20

Grown in a 51 cell half tray, billed as a 50.

Order 7 or more weeks in advance of desired ship week. 

Photo courtesy of Maegan Williams, Gilsum Gardens

Photo courtesy of Lynne Resch, Fleurs du Bien, Bovina, NY. 

Photo courtesy of Shy Taylor, Catskill Blooms

About Tray Sizes (please read)

210 and 125 cell trays are full-sized trays, and three of these will fit in a shipping box.

50 cell trays are half-sized trays (unless otherwise noted) and two of these are the equivalent of one full sized tray. Six of these will fit in a shipping box. These trays are long and skinny. (Think hotdogs). There are not compatible with 25 cell half trays. Scoop scabiosa, veronica, solidago, gypsophila, hypericum, herbs, some tweedia, and others are grown in the 50 cell tray.

25 cell half trays are also half-sized trays, but they are short and square. (Think hamburgers). These are not compatible with 50 cell half trays. Limonium and astrantia are grown in this tray.

Gerberas are also grown in a 25 cell half tray, but are tall that the others, and FOUR of these half trays of gerberas fills a box.

18 and 32 cell trays are full sized trays specifically for our vernalized perennials. These have their own set of shipping rules (find details HERE) and cannot be combined with items grown in 210, 125, or 50 cell trays.

Growing Guides

Click here to access all of our comprehensive growing guides.



Common Name Cosmos, garden cosmos, Mexican asters 
Genus  Cosmos 
Species C. bipinnatus
Family Asteraceae
Life Cycle  Tender Annual 
Format Plugs
Plug Care Harden off and plant or bump up soon after receiving.  Cosmos are very quick growing and will soon become rootbound if left in the original plug tray.   
Netting / Staking One or two layers of netting is beneficial in areas with  high wind.  
Temperature Range Plants can not tolerate freezing at any point in the growth cycle. They can handle the heat of summertime and are a crop suitable for most zones. 
Spacing  9-12" 
Soil Preference Loose, well draining soil with low fertility. Too much nutrient content will cause heavy foliar growth and few     flowers. 
Day Length Short day plants - flowering is triggered as days get  shorter, typically towards the end of summer. If stressed  rootbound or drought conditions) they will flower  prematurely. If growing in a greenhouse through the winter, additional lighting will be required to mimic long days for the vegetative state. 
Pinching Pinch once when the plants are about 6" high, down to a few sets of leaves to encourage side branching. If the  plants try to flower prematurely, continue to pinch off  buds and flowers until you start seeing longer stems. 
When to Plant Plant in the spring after all danger of frost has passed.  Succession sow 2 or 3 times (about 4 weeks apart) for continuous blooms through to frost. 
Harvesting Expect flowers approximately 45-60 days after planting plugs (dependent on weather and temperature).  Harvest when flowers are just starting to open for the longest vase life. Mature side buds will also open in the vase. Cut deeply into the plant for long stems and to promote additional side branching. If flowers are left to open fully they will get pollinated and vase life will suffer. 
Post Harvest Care Place cut stems immediately into cool water. Floral  preservative will extend vase life - expect stems to last    just shy of one week. Can be stored in the cooler for a  short period of time. 
Diseases / Insects During long stretches of heat and humidity powdery  mildew and bacterial wilt may be seen. Common insect  pests include aphids, thrips and Japanese beetles.  
Bailey's Notes

Do not allow plants to set seed - keep up with harvesting and deadheading or the plant will start to shut down. 

Some growers will use stems of cosmos foliage as a filler in bouquets - they have reported a good vase life although we don't have personal experience to support  this claim. 

Resources  NA