Seed Sowing

Cornflowers are best sown directly in the soil in September or early spring. Sow into drills 20cm apart and thin to 20cm in the row. Make sure the beds have a fine tilth and are weed free.

Transplanting

If sowing in modules, transplant outside once seedlings are established, spacing 20cm apart. Cornflowers can also be grown in containers.

Plant Care

Keep the area weed-free and watered during hot spells. You can mulch around the plants to keep in moisture and prevent weeds. Deadhead to prolong flowering. Stems may need support, especially in windy growing conditions. Cornflowers grow best in poor soil so there’s no need to add any extra fertility.

Challenges

Cornflowers are generally pest and disease-free.

Harvest

Pick the flowers often to encourage more flowers to form; they will usually flower for around 10-12 weeks. Ideally harvest the flowers in the morning when temperatures are low and plant water content is high. Plants will arrange better if left to sit in water for a few hours after cutting.

Culinary Ideas

Cornflower petals are edible and make a delightful addition to salads, desserts, ice cubes or as part of a herbal tea blend with their pop of colour and delicate feathery petals.

Seed Saving

Harvest the whole plants once the first seeds start to drop on the floor. Lay out on a sheet to dry further and thresh by hand by rubbing the seedheads between your hands. Then winnow to clean the seeds further.

Store in a cool dark place; seeds should remain viable for around 7 years.

Cornflowers will self-seed if left in place in your garden.