Cosmos bipinnatus Sonata™ Carmine | Compact Pot Flower | Cosmos Seeds

Cosmos bipinnatus Sonata™ Carmine is a compact, early-flowering cosmos with striking carmine-pink flowers and a naturally neat, well-branched habit. Its vivid, rich pink-red colour creates an eye-catching display while retaining the light, airy character that makes cosmos so attractive in summer gardens.

Part of the popular Sonata™ series, Sonata™ Carmine has been bred for compact growth and excellent performance in pots, containers, borders and smaller garden spaces. Unlike taller traditional Cosmos bipinnatus varieties, it remains relatively compact, reaching approximately 61 cm in height and forming a balanced plant covered with flowers.

The intense carmine colour is deeper and richer than standard pink cosmos, making this variety particularly effective when a stronger splash of colour is wanted in containers and seasonal plantings.

Plant Details

Botanical name: Cosmos bipinnatus
Common name: Garden Cosmos
Variety: Sonata™ Carmine
Series: Sonata™
Life cycle: Annual
Plant habit: Upright, compact and branching
Plant height: approx. 61 cm
Plant width: approx. 30–36 cm
Plant spacing: approx. 30–41 cm
Flower colour: Carmine pink to rich pink-red
Exposure: Full sun
Blooming season: Spring, late spring, summer and late summer
Use: Pots, containers, borders, garden beds and decorative plantings

Rich Carmine-Pink Flowers

Sonata™ Carmine stands out for its intense carmine-pink flowers.

The colour is richer and more saturated than a typical soft pink cosmos. Its vivid pink-red tone creates a strong focal point while the delicate petals and characteristic feathery foliage keep the overall appearance light and elegant.

The colour combines beautifully with white, blush, pale pink, lavender and purple flowers, while pairing it with stronger reds and burgundy shades creates a richer summer palette.

For gardeners who love the graceful appearance of cosmos but want more intense colour in a compact plant, Sonata™ Carmine is an excellent choice.

Compact Sonata™ Cosmos

The Sonata™ series offers the characteristic flowers and delicate foliage of Cosmos bipinnatus on plants that are considerably more compact than many traditional tall cosmos varieties.

Sonata™ Carmine grows approximately 61 cm tall and 30–36 cm wide, developing a naturally upright and branching habit.

Its compact size makes it especially useful for:

• Pots and containers
• Patio and balcony planting
• Front and middle sections of flower borders
• Smaller gardens
• Mass plantings
• Mixed summer containers

It can also be grown in larger containers where its fine foliage provides an attractive contrast to plants with broader leaves.

Excellent Cosmos for Pots and Containers

Sonata™ Carmine is particularly valuable as a compact pot flower.

Its controlled growth means gardeners can enjoy the characteristic airy cosmos flowers without requiring the space needed for much taller varieties.

For individual plants, approximately 13–15 cm pots are suitable during production, while larger decorative containers allow plants to develop into fuller specimens.

Place containers in a sunny position for the strongest growth and best flowering.

Sowing Cosmos Sonata™ Carmine

Seeds can be started indoors for earlier flowering or sown directly outdoors once conditions are sufficiently warm.

Germination temperature: approximately 18–22°C
Germination time: approximately 7–10 days
Sowing depth: approximately 5–10 mm
Light: Bright growing conditions are beneficial after germination.

For indoor sowing, use a fine, well-drained seed-starting substrate and keep it evenly moist but never waterlogged.

After germination, provide plenty of light to encourage compact, sturdy young plants.

When seedlings are well established and the danger of frost has passed, gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions before planting outside.

Growing Sonata™ Carmine

Choose a position in full sun with well-drained soil.

Space plants approximately 30–41 cm apart, allowing enough room for their naturally branching growth.

Cosmos is relatively easy to grow and performs particularly well during warm summer conditions. Avoid excessively rich soil and excessive nitrogen fertilisation, as this can encourage lush foliage at the expense of flowers.

Water moderately and allow the soil surface to begin drying between waterings rather than keeping plants continuously wet.

Flowering and Care

Sonata™ Carmine provides colour from spring through late summer, depending on sowing time and local growing conditions.

Regular removal of faded flowers helps keep plants attractive and encourages continued flower production.

During container cultivation, feed regularly but moderately. As plants approach the budding stage, avoid excessive nitrogen and use balanced nutrition that supports flowering.

Its compact branching habit and long flowering period make Sonata™ Carmine particularly useful for continuous summer colour in pots and garden beds.

Attractive to Pollinators

The open, daisy-like flowers are accessible to visiting pollinating insects, making Sonata™ Carmine a beautiful addition to pollinator-friendly summer plantings.

Its combination of delicate foliage, abundant flowers and vivid colour allows it to work equally well as a feature plant or as part of a mixed seasonal planting.

Why Choose Sonata™ Carmine?

Compact Sonata™ series • Rich carmine-pink flowers • Approx. 61 cm tall • Naturally branching habit • Excellent for pots and containers • Ideal for smaller gardens • Long summer flowering period • Easy to grow • Full-sun variety • Attractive airy foliage • Beautiful for borders and mass plantings

Cosmos Sonata™ Carmine (Cosmos bipinnatus) is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for compact cosmos seeds for pots and gardens. Its vivid carmine-pink flowers combine the romantic, airy appearance of traditional cosmos with a more manageable plant size, making it especially suitable for patios, balconies, containers and smaller flower beds.