Wildflowers
Centaurea nigra - Common Knapweed
Common Knapweed
Common Knapweed also known as Hardheads, Lesser Knapweed or Black Knapweed. The bright purple flowers are a good source of nectar for bees and butterflies and the seedheads feed seed eating birds such as goldfinches. It flowers throughout Summer and looks great with other wildflowers such as Oxeye Daisies and Field Scabious.
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Position
- Full Sun to Partial Sun
- Height
- 70cm
- Spread
- 30cm
Growing calendar
Sowing & growing
Sow under glass in Feb-May. Lightly cover the seeds with 2mm of seed compost and water from the base of the seed tray. Germinates at 15-20°C. Acclimatise young plants and once risk of frost has passed, plant out 30cm apart. Sow in-situ where they are to grow from Apr-Jun or Aug-Sep in well prepared soil.
Aftercare
Requires little care once established – cut back and remove seedheads to avoid self-seeding.
Gallery
Ref. SEC072