How To Grow And Care For A Chocolate Cosmos Plant
Flowers are always a welcomed sight whether it’s in someone’s garden or a floral arrangement! They provide a burst of color and enchanting fragrance that can enliven any space. Among the different types of flowers in the world, the most fragrant ones hold the charm to instantly transport you to a world of beauty and delight. One of such outstanding fragrant flowers is the Chocolate Cosmos.
Plant Attributes
The Chocolate Cosmos, or Cosmos atrosanguineus, is a perennial plant that is native to Mexico. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and typically grows up to a height of 60-80 cm.
The striking beauty of the Chocolate Cosmos lies in its velvety textured petals of deep burgundy color, which have a captivating fragrance of vanilla and chocolate that is irresistible.
Aside from its ornamental value, the Chocolate Cosmos has other uses. It is also known for its medicinal properties where the root bark is used to treat fever, intestinal problems, and even as an analgesic.
Plant Care
The Chocolate cosmos thrives best in well-drained soils and requires full sun exposure to grow. In addition, it requires moderate watering over the growing season.
The plant needs to be pruned regularly to enhance its shape and develop its foliage. During the flowering period, it is recommended that you remove the dead flowers and foliage to encourage growth and extend its flowering period.
Fertilization and regular application of organic compost can aid the plant’s development and enhance its growth.
Pruning
To prune the Chocolate Cosmos, you should start by removing the dead or discolored stems or leaves to prevent the spread of disease to other parts of the plant. You may also remove faded flowers to encourage new buds and blooms.
Pinching the tips of new growth can help shape the plant and promote bushiness. This should happen before the emergence of buds. Older plants may require cutting back to a height of about 15 cm above the ground level to rejuvenate growth.
Propagation
The Chocolate Cosmos can be propagated either by seeds or cuttings. To propagate by cuttings, take a 6-8cm shoot with a small portion of the root and dip the end of the shoot in rooting hormone. Plant the shoot in a mixture of compost and sand and water regularly. The plant should be transferred to a larger container or the garden when the roots are well established.
For propagation through seeds, the best way to do it is to plant the seeds in the early spring season, and they should take around two weeks to germinate. The seeds should be planted in small, well-fertilized soil in the seedbed or directly into the garden, taking care to keep the soil moist.
Potting & Repotting
When potting Chocolate Cosmos, it is important to use a well-draining potting mix or soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant should be watered and fed regularly while in the pot.
For repotting, you should start by removing the plant from the current pot and examining the root system. If the roots are overcrowded, you should consider repotting to a larger container with fresh soil, and if the roots are small, the plant can be returned to the same pot with fresh soil.
Common Pests & Plant Disease
The Chocolate Cosmos is not susceptible to any significant pests or diseases except for aphids, spider mites, and thrips.
To prevent these pests, it is recommended to maintain plant hygiene and use chemical sprays only as a last resort. Physically removing any visible pests or infected leaves and shoots is effective in controlling infestations.
Common Problems
The Chocolate Cosmos may suffer from moisture or nutrient problems at times, which may lead to stunted growth or yellowing of leaves. These can be corrected by adjusting watering and fertilization levels.
The plant may also suffer from cold damage or frostbite during winter, which can cause the leaves to wilt or turn brown. This can be avoided by covering the plant or moving it to a warm location during the winter season.
Overall, the Chocolate Cosmos is a must-have in every garden mainly because of its striking beauty and intoxicating fragrance. With proper care and maintenance, it will bloom into a stunning and vibrant display that is sure to enchant anyone who sees it.
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