Centaurea cyanus 'Blue Boy'
Cornflower
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Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus 'Blue Boy') - Description
Exquisite, fragrant, well-doubled, flowers bloom from early summer until frost. Fine for cutting and border display. Annual. Ht. 2 1/2ft. GARDEN HINTS: For earlier bloom, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before outdoor planting time. Remove faded flowers to encourage continuous bloom. Cultivate or mulch to control weeds.
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus 'Blue Boy') - 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.
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus 'Blue Boy') - 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.
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus 'Blue Boy') - 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).
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus 'Blue Boy') - 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).
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus 'Blue Boy') - 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.
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus 'Blue Boy') - Soil and irrigation
Add lime to acidic soils for best plant performance. Centaurea does best in well-draining soil.
