Cornflower Seeds - Wildflower

Cornflower (Centaurea Cyanus) - Well known and popular for being the truest blue flower, Cornflowers are a typical annual: they germinate easily from Cornflower seeds, the plants grow quickly, and they bloom heavily. In the United State they are commonly called Bachelor's Button and are found growing in the wild. Originally, Centaurea Cyanus came from Europe where they were found growing in corn and grain fields. Cornflowers make a great addition to the wild flower garden or flower border as they attract butterflies and beneficial insects. Even in natural settings, deer will often resist the Cornflower plants.

Cornflowers are known to be wonderful cut flowers. They perform well in the vase and also dry nicely to be used in everlasting arrangements. Bachelor's Button flowers are not picky about soil types as long as it drains well. They prefer full sun and will withstand periods of drought. Most wild flowers will re-seed themselves; however, Cornflower does not do this in a consistent manner. To maintain successive seasons of a Cornflower meadow or similar natural display, it is recommended to sow Cornflower seeds every spring.

Directly sow Cornflower seed outdoors in early spring as soon as soil can be worked. Prepare seedbed by loosening soil and weeding. Broadcast Cornflower seed and rake into the soil, covering the wild flower seed. Bachelor's Button seed can also be sown in late fall, after several frosts. It will lay on the ground dormant until spring conditions bring on germination.