Cosmos Double Click Cranberries (Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Double Click Cranberries’) is a striking and elegant annual flower known for its rich, cranberry-red blooms and fully double, ruffled petals. Bred from the traditional Cosmos bipinnatus species, which is native to Mexico and Central America, this variety has been carefully selected for its luxurious, layered flower form and deep, romantic colouring. It brings a touch of vintage charm to cottage gardens, borders, and cut flower patches, blooming over a long season with minimal effort.

Historically, cosmos have been grown for their ornamental beauty and ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions with poor soil. While not widely used in herbal medicine, some cultures brewed cosmos leaves as a mild tea for calming the nerves or aiding digestion. Today, cosmos are valued primarily for their garden performance and their role in attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Double Click Cranberries grows to around 90–120 cm tall with fine, feathery foliage and strong, upright stems. Each plant produces masses of large, fully double flowers in a deep cranberry to wine red shade. The petals are delicately ruffled and layered, resembling miniature peonies or old-fashioned dahlias. These long-stemmed blooms are ideal for cutting and look stunning in vases, wedding arrangements, and mixed bouquets.

To grow from seed:

Ssow indoors 4–6 weeks before your last frost or directly into the garden once the danger of frost has passed. In most parts of Australia, sow from August to November depending on your local climate.

Sow seeds 5 mm deep in well-draining soil in a sunny position. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination, which takes 7–10 days.

Once seedlings are 10–15 cm tall, thin or transplant them to 25–30 cm apart to allow for full growth.

Cosmos Double Click Cranberries thrives in full sun and doesn’t require rich soil—too much fertiliser can result in lush foliage with fewer flowers.

Once established, it is drought-tolerant and very low-maintenance. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage continuous flowering from late spring right through to early autumn. If allowed to go to seed, it may self-sow for the following season.

With its bold colour, dramatic double blooms, and cottage garden appeal, Cosmos Double Click Cranberries is a standout performer that brings richness and romance to any garden bed or floral display. It’s an easy, rewarding flower for gardeners of all skill levels!