Cornflower Seeds
Centaurea Cyanus
Bachelors Button, Bluebottle Flower, Boutonniere Flower, Hurtsickle, Cyani Flower, Cyannus, Basket Flower, Blue Bonnet, Blue Blow, Bluet
Cornflowers are a native wildflower and once grew abundantly in the wild. However, changes to farming practices have seen massive declines in their numbers. The tall-stemmed flowers look beautiful in any flower border, particularly when planted in drifts, and provide a rich source of nectar for bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.
Average height: 75cm
Aspect: Full Sun
Soil type: Loam, Dry, Clay
Sowing period: March-May
First signs of blossom: 6 to 8 weeks
Average flowering period: 4 months
Contents: Approximately 50 seeds
For an informal planting scheme cornflowers should be scattered thinly and covered with a light layer of finely prepared soil. In areas where winters are mild, success can be had from sowing outdoors in September, for flowering the following spring. For a longer flowering period try sowing in both autumn and spring, or sowing a small number every month throughout the growing season.
Cornflowers may lightly self-seed if flowers are not regularly harvested or dead-headed. This should be regularly undertaken to promote further flowering.
Harvesting
Pick flowers as soon as they are open. The long stems make cornflowers ideal for use as a cut flower.