What To Know
- Cornflowers, with their vibrant hues and daisy-like blooms, are a captivating addition to any garden.
- Growing these charming flowers is surprisingly easy, and with the right care, they will reward you with a cheerful display season after season.
- Cornflowers can be sown directly into the garden in spring or started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
Cornflowers, with their vibrant hues and daisy-like blooms, are a captivating addition to any garden. Growing these charming flowers is surprisingly easy, and with the right care, they will reward you with a cheerful display season after season.
Choosing the Right Variety
There are over 500 species of cornflowers, each offering a unique charm. Some popular varieties include:
- Blue Boy: Classic blue flowers with a white center
- Red Boy: Vibrant red blooms
- Snow Fairy: Pure white flowers
- Dwarf Blue: Compact variety with blue flowers
- Giant Imperial: Tall variety with large, blue blooms
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Cornflowers thrive in full sun to partial shade. They prefer well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or manure to improve fertility and drainage.
Planting Cornflowers
Cornflowers can be sown directly into the garden in spring or started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
Direct Sowing:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 12 inches apart.
- Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart once they emerge.
Indoor Sowing:
- Sow seeds in a well-draining seed starting mix.
- Keep the soil moist and provide plenty of light.
- Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting them outdoors.
Watering and Fertilizing
Cornflowers are drought-tolerant but appreciate regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. Water deeply at the base of the plants, avoiding overhead watering.
Fertilize cornflowers lightly with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Excessive fertilization can lead to leggy growth.
Deadheading and Pruning
Deadheading spent blooms encourages new flower production. Cut off the spent flower heads at the base of the stem.
Pruning back leggy or overgrown plants will promote bushier growth and more blooms.
Pest and Disease Control
Cornflowers are generally pest and disease-resistant. However, they can be susceptible to aphids, slugs, and powdery mildew.
- Aphids: Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Slugs: Use slug bait or create physical barriers around plants.
- Powdery Mildew: Control with fungicides or by removing infected leaves.
Harvesting Cornflowers
Cornflowers can be harvested for fresh bouquets or dried for arrangements.
For Fresh Bouquets:
- Cut stems when the flowers are fully open.
- Remove any foliage that will be below the water line.
For Drying:
- Cut stems when the flowers are just beginning to open.
- Hang upside down in a warm, dry place with good air circulation.
Companion Planting
Cornflowers make excellent companion plants for:
- Carrots
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Onions
Questions You May Have
Q: Can cornflowers be grown in containers?
A: Yes, cornflowers can be grown in containers with well-draining soil. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep and provide plenty of sunlight.
Q: Do cornflowers self-seed?
A: Yes, cornflowers are prolific self-seeders. Allow some seed heads to go to seed and they will readily reseed themselves the following year.
Q: Can cornflowers be used to attract pollinators?
A: Yes, cornflowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Planting cornflowers in your garden will help support local pollinator populations.
Q: Are cornflowers edible?
A: Yes, cornflowers are edible. The petals can be added to salads, desserts, and teas.
Q: How long do cornflowers bloom?
A: Cornflowers typically bloom for 6-8 weeks in summer. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage reblooming.
