Superbissima Cosmic Cherry Petunia is a whimsical heirloom flower that produces ruffled blooms reaching 7 inches across in magenta and violet tones. Beyond sheer ornamental beauty, this Czech variety from Černý Seed Company offers a delightful culinary surprise: the petals deliver a delicate flavor that works beautifully in jellies, beverages, and even homemade doughnuts. Hardy from zones 6 through 11 and blooming within 70 to 85 days, this compact grower flourishes in full sun and reaches maturity in warm conditions around 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Full Sun
—
6-11
?in H x ?in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
At 7 inches across, these ruffled flower heads are genuinely spectacular, far exceeding what most gardeners expect from a petunia. The blend of magenta to violet petals creates an almost cosmic appearance that draws attention in any garden bed or container. What truly sets this variety apart is its dual identity as both a stunning ornamental and an edible flower with genuine culinary merit, transforming a simple garden into a source of flavored syrups, jellies, and dessert garnishes.
These petals shine in jellies and homemade beverages, where their delicate flavor adds a subtle floral note. They're particularly striking as garnishes and fillings for homemade doughnuts and other pastries, bringing both color and taste to dishes that typically rely on flowers for appearance alone. The blooms also work wonderfully in pots and garden beds as cut flowers that carry the bonus of edibility.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Sprinkle seeds on moist seed-starting mix and press them gently into the surface without covering, as petunias need light to germinate. Keep soil temperature around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and maintain consistent moisture. Seedlings emerge in 7 to 14 days.
Harden off seedlings over 7 to 10 days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Transplant outdoors after all frost danger has passed and soil temperature reaches at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit, though these plants prefer warmer soil. Space plants 10 inches apart in full sun. Water gently at the base after transplanting.
Harvest petals in the morning after dew has dried but before full heat sets in, when they're most turgid and flavorful. Select fully open blooms in the magenta to violet color range. Gently remove individual petals by hand or cut entire flower heads with clean scissors. Use fresh petals immediately or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. For jellies and beverages, harvest petals at peak bloom when the delicate flavor is most pronounced.
The compact growth habit of Superbissima Cosmic Cherry requires minimal pruning. Pinch back seedlings or young plants early in the season to encourage a bushier, more branched form with increased flowering. Deadheading spent blooms throughout the season promotes continuous flowering and prevents the plant from setting seed too early.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Superbissima Cosmic Cherry emerged from Černý Seed Company in the Czech Republic, a region with deep roots in heirloom seed preservation and flower cultivation. The variety carries the hallmark of careful selection and breeding that Czech seed companies have maintained for generations. It arrived at Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, where it quickly became a trial garden favorite, earning its place among gardeners who value both visual spectacle and culinary possibility.”