Flowers
Centaurea cyanus 'Ball White'
Cornflower
Usually known for their true-blue flowers, this white cornflower makes a pleasing contrast. Sometimes featuring a flush of pink at the flower centre, it is a popular variety with flower arrangers. The petals are also suitable for drying to make confetti. Prefers full sun to partial shade. Flowers are edible too.
- Plant type
- Hardy Annual
- Position
- Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Height
- 1.2m
- Spread
- 30cm
Growing calendar
Sowing & growing
Sow in situ March-May, or Aug-Sep for flowers the following year. Sow into finely prepared soil 3mm deep in drills 30cm apart. Thin seedlings to 15cm apart. Alternately, sow undercover Feb-May, or Aug-Oct in pots of moist seed compost. Plant out spring sowings when weather warms and overwinter autumn sowings in a cold frame or greenhouse.
Aftercare
May need support. Keep cutting flowers for the vase and removing spent blooms to prolong flowering period. Do not fertilise as this can encourage leaf growth rather than bud formation.
Gallery
Ref. SEC063