If you want a burst of reliable blue in your garden, learning how to grow cornflowers is the perfect place to start. These charming, classic blooms are famously easy and rewarding, even if you’ve never planted a seed before.
Cornflowers, also known as bachelor’s buttons, thrive on simplicity. They ask for little but give so much: vibrant color, pollinator food, and excellent cut flowers. This guide walks you through every step in plain language, from seed to bloom.
How to Grow Cornflowers
This main heading is your roadmap. The process below breaks down into clear, managable stages. You’ll find that cornflowers are very forgiving plants, making them ideal for a first-time gardening project.
Why Choose Cornflowers for Your Garden?
Before we get our hands dirty, let’s look at why cornflowers are so great. They are annual plants, meaning they complete their life cycle in one season. This makes them fast and satisfying.
They are drought-tolerant once established. They attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Their long stems and vivid colors are perfect for vases. Best of all, they self-seed readily, often coming back year after year on their own.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Gathering your supplies first makes the job smooth. You don’t need much:
- Cornflower seeds (choose your favorite colors—blue, pink, white, or maroon).
- A sunny garden spot or containers with drainage holes.
- Basic garden soil. They aren’t picky, but poor soil is better than rich, heavy soil.
- A rake or trowel for preparing the soil.
- A watering can or hose with a gentle spray.
Finding the Perfect Spot: Sun and Soil
Cornflowers need full sun. That means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The more sun, the stronger the plants and the more blooms you’ll get.
Soil is crucial but simple. Cornflowers prefer well-drained soil. They actually bloom better in soil that isn’t too fertile. If your soil is heavy clay or very sandy, just mix in some compost to improve texture. Avoid soggy areas.
Preparing Your Planting Bed
Start by clearing the area of weeds and grass. Loosen the top layer of soil with a rake or garden fork, about 2-3 inches deep. You don’t need to dig deeply. The goal is to create a fine, crumbly surface for the seeds to make good contact.
If you’re using pots, fill them with a standard potting mix. Ensure the pots are at least 8-12 inches deep to accommodate the taproot.
Planting Your Cornflower Seeds
You can sow seeds directly in the garden or start them indoors. Direct sowing is often easiest and most successful for beginners.
When to Plant
Timing depends on your climate. The basic rule is to sow after the last spring frost. The soil should be workable and slightly warm. In many regions, this is early to mid-spring. You can also sow in late autumn for early spring blooms.
Step-by-Step Sowing Instructions
- Scatter the seeds lightly over the prepared soil. Don’t worry about perfect spacing.
- Gently press the seeds into the soil with your hand or the back of a rake. They need light to germinate, so barely cover them with a 1/4-inch layer of soil or just press them in.
- Water the area gently but thoroughly using a fine spray. You want to moisten the soil without washing the seeds away.
- Keep the soil consistently moist until you see seedlings, which usually takes 7 to 10 days.
Caring for Your Growing Cornflowers
Once seedlings appear, your main jobs are watering, thinning, and occasional feeding. It’s straightforward.
Watering Wisely
Young seedlings need regular moisture. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry. Once the plants are about 6 inches tall, they become very drought-tolerant. At this stage, water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is a common mistake.
The Importance of Thinning
This step is often overlooked but vital. When your seedlings are a few inches tall, you need to thin them. This means removing some plants to give others room to grow.
Space plants about 8 to 12 inches apart. Crowded plants compete for light and air, leading to weak growth and mildew. Simply snip the extra seedlings at soil level with scissors.
To Feed or Not to Feed
Cornflowers generally do not need fertilizer. In fact, too much nitrogen will cause lots of leafy growth at the expense of flowers. If your soil is very poor, a light feed with a balanced, low-strength fertilizer once or twice during the growing season is plenty. Often, they need none at all.
Managing Pests and Problems
Cornflowers are relatively trouble-free. Good air circulation (from proper thinning) prevents most fungal issues like powdery mildew. If you see aphids, a strong spray of water from the hose usually knocks them off. Birds sometimes eat young seedlings; a loose piece of netting can help if this becomes a problem.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Blooms
The best part! Cornflowers begin blooming about 10-12 weeks after sowing. To pick flowers for a vase, choose blooms that have just fully opened. Cut stems in the morning, place them in water immediately.
For continuous bloom, deadhead regularly. This means removing spent flowers before they set seed. Just pinch off the old bloom below the flower head. This encourages the plant to produce more flowers instead of putting energy into seeds.
Saving Seeds for Next Year
If you want to save seeds, leave some flowers on the plant at the end of the season. Let them turn brown and dry. Then, cut the flower head, break it apart over a paper bag, and collect the small, brush-like seeds. Store them in a cool, dry place in a paper envelope. You’ll have plenty to sow next year and share with friends.
Growing Cornflowers in Containers
No garden? No problem. Choose a pot that is deep enough (at least 10 inches) and has drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix. Scatter seeds thinly on the surface, press in, and water. Thin the seedlings to 3-4 of the strongest plants per medium-sized pot. Water when the top soil is dry, and place the pot in full sun.
Common Questions About Growing Cornflowers
How long do cornflowers take to grow?
From seed to flower usually takes 80-90 days, depending on the variety and conditions. They germinate quickly, often within a week.
Can I grow cornflowers in partial shade?
They will grow in partial shade, but they will become leggy and produce significntly fewer flowers. Full sun is always best for the best results.
Do cornflowers come back every year?
As annuals, the original plants die after seeding. However, they are prolific self-seeders. If you let some flowers go to seed, new plants will often sprout in the same spot the following spring, giving the impression they are perennial.
Why are my cornflowers falling over?
This is usually due to overcrowding or not enough sun. Thin your plants to ensure good air circulation. If they are in a windy spot, they may need staking. Planting in full sun promotes stronger, sturdier stems.
What are good companion plants for cornflowers?
They look beautiful with other cottage garden flowers like poppies, calendula, and daisies. They also grow well with herbs like lavender and sage. Their bright color complements silver-leafed plants like dusty miller.
Starting a garden with cornflowers is a joy. Their simple needs and generous blooms provide instant gratification. By following these clear steps—choosing a sunny spot, sowing directly, thinning seedlings, and watering carefully—you’ll have a beautiful display that keeps giving all season. Remember, a little neglect often works in there favor. Now, it’s time to plant some seeds and watch that beautiful blue appear.