Cosmos sulphureus Seeds | Kenikir
LATIN NAME: Cosmos sulphureus
COMMON NAME: Kenikir
Plant Profile
Kenikir (Cosmos sulphureus) is a robust, branching annual of the daisy family (Asteraceae), native to Mexico and Central America and widely naturalised in the tropics. It grows 60-180 cm tall, with airy, divided foliage and masses of orange to golden-yellow, single daisy flowers over a long season. In Southeast Asia the young leaves are eaten as a salad vegetable, and the plant tolerates heat and poor soil with ease.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Cosmos sulphureus ranges from the botany of the Cosmos group to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. Cosmos sulphureus is useful for research into flowering phenology, pollination, pigment biology and annual plant development. From a research perspective, species of this kind are valuable material for work on propagation and on the selection of uniform lines.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Kenikir for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Kenikir is widely grown as an ornamental annual for borders, meadow plantings and pollinator gardens. In some regions, young leaves are also used traditionally as a food plant. Culinary use should follow locally established food-safety practices and correct species identification. Routine care after establishment is refreshingly light.
Cosmos is an effortless pollinator annual for the cutting garden; in Latin America the leaves of some species are traditional salad herbs.
Growing from Seed
Kenikir is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Sow seed in a fine, well-drained medium and cover lightly. Keep medium evenly moist during establishment and provide abundant light. Level a tray of loose seed compost, sow evenly, cover to about the seed’s own depth, and keep it moist in full light. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Few garden plants carry such a documented history of use as this one does. Kenikir settles in quickly once it finds its footing. Even moisture while the seed is chitting is the main thing; afterwards it largely looks after itself.
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