Cornflower Wildflower Seeds

Cornflower (Bachelor's Button) - Centaurea Cyanus

Approximate seeds per pound: 99,790
Seeding rate: Plant these wild flower seeds at 3 pounds per acre
Height: Under 2 ft.
Flower Color: Blue
Plant Type: Annual. Lives just one year. Grows quickly, blooms heavily, dies with first frost. Can regrow following spring if seed falls on bare ground.
Flower Type: Fluffy button-like flower
Bloom Time: Early mid and late season
Is Cornflower invasive? In some regions
Is Cornflower endangered? No
Is Cornflower edible? Yes
Is Cornflower medicinal? Yes
Regions: All regions, prohibited in NC
Zones: 3-10 prohibited in NC
Soil preference: Adaptable
Sun/Shade: Full sun
Moisture Requirements: Average moisture, well-drained.
Germination: Cornflower wildflower seeds germinate in 7 - 14 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 60F - 70F
Sowing depth: 1/8"

Cornflower is also known as Bachelor's Button. It makes a welcome addition to any wild flower seed garden due to its sky blue color. Cornflower has many other uses including: having sturdy, long stems for cut flowers, making attractive medium to tall backdrops for the perennial or wildflower garden, being extremely easy to grow from wildflower seed, and having some benefit in the medicinal garden.

Cornflowers are another member of the huge Aster family, and originate in Europe, where they are sometimes a nuisance in corn and grain fields, thus the name Cornflower. They have naturalized throughout much of the United States, and are a mainstay in wild flower seed mixes. They make long-lasting cut flowers which gives Cornflower its AKA name "Bachelor's Button" due to its lasting qualities when pinned into the lapel of a tuxedo or suit.

Cornflower is an annual wild flower. Sow seed either in late fall (after frost season has started) or early spring. The seeds usually take 1 - 2 weeks to sprout. Pinching the annual varieties will produce more stems, and thus more flowers. These plants have sturdy stems that hold up well to windy conditions, but occasionally you may have to stake an individual here and there. Cornflower is very adaptable to varying soil types, but it definitely prefers well drained soil as do most wild flowers. It is not so adaptable to shady conditions as it definitely prefers to bask in sunny locations. Most wild flowers will reseed themselves; however, cornflower does not do this in a consistent manner. Mother nature has to be just right in order for this to happen so in order to keep cornflower in your wild flower garden sow new wild flower seed each year.

Cornflower is a good drought tolerant wild flower. This allows it to be used in containers where soils may dry out easier in between waterings. Cornflower is a beautiful plant until it gets close to the end of its growing season. At this time, its foliage begins to look a little on the raggedy side so you may want to have other wild flowers planted close by to hide its shabby appearance.