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Agrostemma githago - Corn-cockle

Wildflowers

Agrostemma githago - Corn-cockle

Corn-cockle

RHS Plants for Pollinators

Commonly known as corn cockle, and a beneficial plant attractive to bees. Once considered a common weed in the wild, but now rarely found, it is becoming increasingly sought after for use in the garden, with its ornamental flowers, which bloom pink with white eyes.

Plant type
Hardy Annual
Position
Full Sun
Height
90cm
Spread
30cm

Growing calendar

JFMAMJJASOND
Sow outdoors
Flowering

Sowing & growing

Best sown in-situ March-May, or Sep-Oct, 12mm deep into prepared soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Keep soil well-watered, and as seedlings appear, thin out weaker ones until stronger seedlings are 30cm apart. Do not grow near livestock meadows.

Aftercare

Deadhead regularly to keep flowers coming through summer. Pull up and compost plants in autumn. Some may self-seed.

Ref. SEA005