Flowers
Centaurea 'Black Ball' (Cornflower)
Cornflower
This showy annual is grown for its almost black flowers. The deep purple-black ruffled flowers take on an almost papery appearance, and are produced on long, semi-leafless stems. This makes an excellent cut flower, and also draws wildlife to the garden by being a strong pollinator attractant.
- Plant type
- Hardy Annual
- Position
- Full Sun
- Height
- 1.1m
- Spread
- 40cm
Growing calendar
JFMAMJJASOND
Sow indoors
Sow outdoors
Flowering
Sowing & growing
Feb-April, sow under cover in trays or modules onto the surface of moist compost. Cover very finely with seed compost or vermiculite. March-May, sow outdoors in drills just 3-4mm deep. Plant out or thin to 15cm between plants. Can be sown under cover August-Sep and overwintered for stronger plants the following spring.
Aftercare
Avoid feeding as this will increase foliage and reduce flowers. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering.
Gallery
Ref. SEC024