sum-up
Cornflowers , with their vibrant hue and daisy - similar blooms , are acaptivating additionto any garden . grow thesecharming flowersis surprisingly easy , and with the proper upkeep , they will reward you with acheerful display seasonafter season .
Choosing the Right Variety
There are over 500 species of cornflowers , each offering aunique magic spell . Some popular mixture include :
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Cornflowers thrive in full sunshine topartial shade . They prefer well - run out , sandy orloamy soilwith a pH between 5.5 and 7.0 . Before planting , meliorate the soil with compost or manure to improve fertility and drainage .
Planting Cornflowers
bluebottle can besown directlyinto the garden in spring orstarted indoors6 - 8 weeks before the last frost . Direct Sowing :
Indoor Sowing :
Watering and Fertilizing
Centaurea cyanus are drouth - tolerant but appreciateregular lacrimation , peculiarly during raging , dry weather . pee deeply at the foot of the plant , forfend overhead watering . fertilise cornflowers lightly with abalanced fertilizerevery 4 - 6 weeks . Excessive fertilization can result to leggy growth .
Deadheading and Pruning
Deadheading spent blooms encourages newflower yield . Cut off thespent bloom headsat the al-Qaeda of the bow . Pruning back leggy orovergrown plantswillpromote bushy growthand more bloom .
Pest and Disease Control
Cornflowers aregenerally pestand disease - insubordinate . However , they can be susceptible to aphids , poke , and powdery mildew .
Harvesting Cornflowers
Cornflowers can be harvested forfresh bouquetsor dried for arrangement . For Fresh sweetness :
For Drying :
Companion Planting
Cornflowers make fantabulous associate works for :
Questions You May Have
Q : Can bachelor’s button be develop in containers?A : Yes , cornflowers can be grown in container with well - draining grunge . opt a container that is at least 12inches deepandprovide plentyof sunlight . Q : Do cornflowers self - seed?A : Yes , cornflower are prolific self - seeders . permit someseed headsto go to ejaculate and they willreadily reseedthemselves the following year . Q : Can cornflowers be used to attract pollinators?A : Yes , cornflower are attractive to bee , butterflies , and other pollinators . Planting cornflowers in your garden will help support local pollinator populations . Q : Are cornflowers edible?A : Yes , cornflowers are edible . The petals can be add to salads , desserts , and Camellia sinensis . Q : How long do cornflowers bloom?A : Cornflowers typically bloomfor 6 - 8 weeks in summer . Deadheading spent blush will boost reblooming .
