Centaurea jacea
Brown Knapweed
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Brown Knapweed (Centaurea jacea) - Description
Centaurea jacea (Brown Knapweed or Brownray Knapweed) is a species of herbaceous perennial plants in the genus Centaurea native to dry meadows and open woodland throughout Europe. It grows to 10–80 cm tall, and flowers mainly from June to September. In Britain, it is often found as a hybrid of Black Knapweed, Centaurea nigra. Unlike the Black Knapweed, the flowerheads always look as if they are rayed, forming a more open star rather than a brush-like tuft.
Brown Knapweed (Centaurea jacea) - Blooming
The few species that are cultivated for horticultural reasons are mostly done so for cut flowers. When sown in April/May, will bloom between June and September. The critical factor in blooming success of cornflowers is lighting: the plant needs about three weeks of long days in order to bloom.
Brown Knapweed (Centaurea jacea) - Growth
Although there are about 500 species, they all perform best with full sun. All horticultural species are easy to grow. Centaurea attracts bees and butterflies. Grow Centaurea in a border or rock garden. Many species of Centaurea produce flowers that are suitable for cutting.
Brown Knapweed (Centaurea jacea) - Planting
Can be planted either through seeds or starter plants. When using seeds, sow directly into the ground during spring (April/May). In overall warmer and brighter climates (like California or Florida), seeds may be sown in September to yield blooms in late winter (February).
Brown Knapweed (Centaurea jacea) - Pest
Potential threats include aphids, spider mites, leafhoppers, and most plant diseases (especially botrytis, fusarium, mildew, rust, sclerotina, and root rot induced by pythium or rhizoctonia).
Brown Knapweed (Centaurea jacea) - Interesting facts
Herbaceous thistles from the Old World. Excellent source of nectar. In the olden days, some men would place one of cornflower in one of their buttonholes before going courting, hence the nickname "Bachelor's Button". Cornflowers have been popular in North American gardens since Colonial times.
Brown Knapweed (Centaurea jacea) - Soil and irrigation
Add lime to acidic soils for best plant performance. Centaurea does best in well-draining soil.
