Centaurea (Bachelor's Button, Cornflower) - Key Growing Information
SOWING: Direct seed (recommended): Sow seeds thinly in rows, 6 seeds per foot, 1/4" deep, as soon as soil can be worked. Cover lightly. Keep soil surface moist until emergence. When seedlings have first true leaves, thin to 6-9" apart. Transplant: Sow 3-4 weeks before planting out. Transplant into cell packs or larger containers when the first true leaves appear. Grow at 50-55°F (10-12°C) during the night for several weeks to develop a root ball.
LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun.
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Any soil with good drainage. Tolerates poor soil of medium fertility.
PLANT SPACING: 2-9".
HARDINESS ZONES: Annual.
HARVEST: Fresh: When flowers are 1/4 to 1/2 open.
USES: Cut flower, edible flower, and beneficial insect attractant. Can be used as dried flower, though blooms are quite small once dried. Effective when massed for color in beds and borders.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Centaurea cyanus