In recent years the institute has bred new varieties of cosmos different in flower color, like Seashells No. 1 and Sonata No.1.

They are very superior in peculiarities to the existing ones.

They come into bloom in late May, keeping their flowering period till the frost falls. Their flower is very bright in color and nearly twice than that of the existing ones in size.

Their plant is smaller than the existing ones in height. In particular, the height of Sonata cosmos is 40-60 centimeters.

An intensive research into cosmos began in July Juche 89 (2000) when the institute was founded under a far-reaching plan of leader Kim Jong Il. He instructed that species of beautiful flowers, different in color and with a long blooming duration, like cosmos should be cultivated and propagated across the country.

True to his instruction, scientists bred Sensation No. 1, a new variety of cosmos, for the first time in the country, which grows well in local climatic and soil conditions.

Kim Jong Il called on them to spread it throughout the country, indicating the orientation for future research.