Cornflower, also called bachelor's button, offers brilliantly colored, soft and frilly double blossoms with fringed petals and delicate gray-green feather-like foliage. It is widely cultivated in North America as a garden plant with blooms that are commonly used as fresh or dried flowers in bouquets.
When to Plant Cornflower Seeds
The best time to plant cornflower seeds is in the spring after the last frost has passed. This is usually around early to mid-spring, depending on your location. Cornflowers are hardy annuals and can tolerate cooler temperatures, but they don't like frost. It's important to wait until the threat of frost has passed before planting the seeds.
In mild climates, cornflowers can also be planted in the fall, about six to eight weeks before the first expected frost. This will give the seeds enough time to germinate and establish themselves before the cold winter months. However, if you live in an area with harsh winters, it's best to plant in the spring instead.
Where to Plant Cornflower Seeds
Cornflower will thrive in full-sun conditions but is also tolerant of partial shade. Select an area with good, well-draining soil before you get started. Cornflower grows up to three feet tall, so plan accordingly in a space where you would like to see a mid-height flower.
How to Plant Cornflower Seeds
Broadcast sow your seeds directly onto the surface of the soil. Compress the seeds, but leave them uncovered. Learn more about germination light requirements here. Once plants have germinated, thin them out to a spacing of 8 to 12 inches between plants. There’s no need to thin for a more natural meadow look.
How to Care for Cornflower
Keep your soil moist. Also, while cornflower will tolerate drought conditions, watering during drier periods will help improve flowering. Once the flowers have died back for the season, cut down your growth and remove the debris from the planting area.