Flowers
Centaurea 'Blue Diadem'
Cornflower
A firm favourite of bees and butterflies, cornflowers are indispensable planted near kitchen gardens where they draw in beneficial insects. This selection has long stems, making them suitable for cutting gardens. While they look particularly effective planted in great drifts, they also work in containers. A cut and come again variety.
- Plant type
- Hardy Annual
- Position
- Full Sun
- Height
- 75cm
- Spread
- 30cm
Growing calendar
Sowing & growing
Sow outdoors March-May, 3mm deep in drills 30cm apart, alternatively Aug-Sep for earlier flowers the following year. Thin seedlings to 15cm spacing. Sow in pots or trays of moist seed compost and cover with a fine layer of soil. Overwinter seedlings and plant out the following spring.
Aftercare
Do not fertilise as this can lead to more leaf growth at the expense of flowers. Support if necessary and deadhead to encourage more flowers.
Gallery
Ref. SEC057