Eos Cosmos BIO (Cosmos sulphureus)

Eos Cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus): if you have read the other descriptions, you will probably have guessed that I have a rather undisguised passion for these flowers. They are easy to grow, flower for an exceptionally long period and offer ever-changing flavours that bring colour and fragrance to dishes and much more besides. A bar we collaborate with, Co.habit, uses them to make a bitter that gives their Martinis wonderfully striking nuances.

This particular variety has unique characteristics within the species: the plant has a bushy yet compact habit, does not exceed 60 centimetres in height and is therefore particularly well suited to container growing. It is one of the hardiest and most frugal selections within a species that is already remarkably undemanding. Its flowering is exceptionally early and remarkably abundant, with each individual plant capable of producing hundreds of brilliant flame-red flowers reminiscent of the first glow of dawn. This is precisely what inspired its name, Eos, the Greek goddess of dawn.

The fragrance is reminiscent of rose, while the flavour is sweet and slightly peppery, with a particularly distinctive aromatic character.

In the field, it proves to be an exceptionally easy variety to manage, vigorous and suitable for growers of all levels. It prefers full sun, which encourages maximum flower-bud production, and adapts well to a wide range of soils, including poor or dry soils, provided they are well drained and free from waterlogging.

During the growing season it requires moderate, occasional watering and shows excellent tolerance to summer heat and drought. Regular removal of spent flowers, or flower heads harvested for culinary use, encourages the plant to continuously produce new shoots and buds, ensuring an uninterrupted explosion of colour and fragrance from early summer until the arrival of the first autumn frosts.