FL2185A - Black Ball
Centaurea cyanus. The tall silvery stems of this cornflower provides a stunning contrast to the deep plum coloured blooms. Cornflowers are wonderfully adaptable to a variety of soils, and are heat and drought tolerant. Suitable for beds, borders, as well as meadows. They attract a host of pollinators but are ignored by deer. They make excellent cut and dried flowers. The petals are also edible—try them in salads or sprinkled on desserts.
Annual.
- Unique coloured flowers
- Drought resistant
- Deer resistent
- Edible petals
Share this Product
How To Grow
An annual plant that also answers to Cornflower, Bachelor’s Button, Bluebottle, Hurtsickle, Hardheads, Knapweed, and Star Thistle. We use the genus name to keep it nice and simple. Grows well in any ordinary, well drained garden soil. Seeds will flourish within the pH range of 5.5-7.0. Deadhead regularly to prolong blooming. You will find planting several times over the spring will produce a longer bloom time throughout summer and early fall.
Latin
Centaurea cyanus
Family: Asteraceae
Difficulty
Easy
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun
Zone: 1-10
Timing
Direct sow starting just before last frost, and again every two weeks until end of May. Can be direct sown in autumn as well. Starting indoors is not necessary, but can be accomplished by keeping seed trays in the dark at the optimal soil temperature of 15-21°C (60-70°F). Move under bright lights once germination occurs, and transplant out in late spring, around mid-May.
Starting
Just cover the small seeds. Thin or space to 15-30cm (6-12″) apart.
