Chocolate Cosmos corms in Tescos

My local Tescos are selling Chocolate Cosmos corms at the moment. I just wanted to know if anyone have had any success with growing them, and whether they are able to flower in the first year.

 

I've grown chocolate cosmos before - I think from Wilko. The problem with the Tesco ones is they are in boxes and you can't tell if the roots are squishy.

 

Thanks for getting back. I'm assuming you had success with them regarding the Wilko ones? Did they flower in the first year if yes. Always had my eye on these plants but never ventured...

 

You can grow it from seed; both Chiltern and Plant World Seeds among others have Cosmos atrosanguineus seed available, start indoors in March and they could well flower late summer/autumn; then when the top dies back lift, clean and dry the tubers, store frost free and replant next year.

 

Hi

they look like dahlia roots, as long as they havnt been frosted should be fine .. I am going tesco on Thursday I will have a look .. mine always get mildew late summer , but the smell of chocolate from the flowers is amazing

Spruce

 

Thanks all for your help. They were boxed so I couldn't even see what they look like, so apologies on the title, I just assumed they were corms!

Yes, I saw that there are seeds but I guess that seems too scary for me. I was hoping with these tubers, they might flower in their first year.

 

Have you planted them yet ? Pot them as soon as possible up keep frost free dont overwater as the roots will rot and also the snails and slugs love them

Spruce

 

It may be me, but I found the ones in Wilko didn't smell as good as one I'd previously bought as a plant. There may be different clones around. Or possibly my sense of smell is going with age ...
The Wilko one grew, but if I recall, needed more than one year to make much impression. I haven't grown them for a while. I think I'd get an akebia quinata if I wanted chocolate scent these days

 

@Spruce, Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately, I am a bit busy now and have not even gone back to buy!

@CarolineL, I must admit, I even forgot about the smell. I like the colour and flower shape. It's rare to have flowers that colour.