Cornflowers

Planting cornflowers

Sow directly in early spring, or in fall where winters are mild. Seed germinates best in cool soil and plants resent transplanting.

Planting details

• Sow where plants will grow
• Spacing: 8 to 12 inches
• Seed depth: about 1/4 inch

Growing requirements

Cornflowers want full sun and lean to average soil with good drainage. They are tougher than they look and need little water once established.

Harvesting and care

Deadhead or cut small bouquets to extend bloom. Let a few plants finish their cycle if you want them to self-sow for next spring.

Common mistakes

• Rich soil, which grows floppy, leafy plants
• Sowing into warm summer soil, which germinates poorly
• Skipping thinning, since crowded seedlings make weak stems

Companion plants

Cornflowers mix well with poppies and sweet alyssum in meadow-style sowings, and fit the sunny edge of a vegetable plot as a pollinator draw.