Cosmos Seeds Red Stripe
Best low-maintenance annual for gardeners seeking vibrant, pollinator-friendly cut flowers.
Elevate your garden with Red Stripe Cosmos, an easy-to-grow annual that bursts with spectacular bi-colored blooms. This open-pollinated variety, also known as Mexican Aster, produces stunning star-shaped flowers in shades of pink throughout summer and fall. Reaching heights of 36 to 60 inches, it's perfect for cut flower arrangements or vibrant container displays. Thriving in full sun and tolerating drought and heat, these cosmos also attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, while remaining resistant to deer. Sow in spring for a season-long display of natural beauty.
$5.49
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 5867
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-48%
Below average
Botanical Name
Cosmos bipinnatus
/ Cosmos bipinnatus
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-contrast, sophisticated floral displays
- Beginners or busy gardeners wanting reliable, low-maintenance plants
- Floral enthusiasts needing a steady supply of fresh cut stems
Who should skip it
- Gardeners preferring low-effort, self-sustaining perennial landscapes
- People wanting sturdy, self-supporting plants without extra staking
- Hands-off gardeners looking for minimal maintenance throughout the season
Performance breakdown
Growth Reliability
An exceptionally forgiving annual that thrives with minimal gardening experience.
Pollinator Appeal
Highly effective at drawing bees and butterflies into your garden space.
Environmental Resilience
Handles intense summer heat and drought conditions with impressive stamina.
Floral Versatility
Stems work beautifully in both casual containers and formal cut arrangements.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer, keeping your floral display safe from hungry visitors.
Bloom Longevity
Provides a consistent, colorful show from early summer through late fall.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Cosmos bipinnatus
Seed Type
Open Pollinated Seed
Plant Height
36 to 60 inches
Bloom Season
Summer through Fall
Hardiness Zones
2 through 10
Days to Maturity
60 to 90 days
Plant Spacing
9 to 12 inches
Life Cycle
Annual
Features
- Spectacular bi-colored, star-shaped blooms
- Easy-to-grow annual variety
- Long-lasting summer to fall blooms
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- Drought and heat tolerant
- Deer resistant
- Ideal for cut flowers
- Container-friendly
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the exceptional germination rate, highlighting the ease with which these seeds establish themselves quickly and reliably. The resulting flowers are consistently described as stunning, featuring the promised vibrant red stripes and robust, tall growth. This reliability makes the product a favorite among both novice and experienced gardeners, confirming its high quality and excellent value for achieving a spectacular garden display without fuss.
Know before you buy
These cosmos reach a mature height of 36 to 60 inches. Because of their height, they work well as a backdrop in garden beds or as a statement piece in larger containers.
Yes, they are container-friendly. Ensure your pot is large enough to support their height and provides adequate drainage, as they thrive in full sun with low water needs.
Yes, Red Stripe Cosmos are considered deer resistant. While no plant is entirely immune to hungry wildlife, these are generally avoided by deer in most garden settings.
You can expect blooms from summer through fall. They are a long-lasting annual that provides consistent color for several months once they reach maturity, which typically takes 60 to 90 days.
No special care is required. This variety is specifically noted for being drought and heat tolerant, making them an excellent choice for hot, sunny climates.
Absolutely. These flowers are highly effective at attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making them a great addition to any pollinator-friendly garden.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.