Cornflower, Bachelor's Button

Heat Tolerance: Blooms before the summer heat in Phoenix

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Europe (Caucasus)

Growth Habits: Hardy annual, up to 2 feet tall (60 cm), 12 inches spread (30 cm)

Watering Needs: Moderate water, well drained alkaline soil,

Propagation: Seeds

Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 3: 20. Courtesy of Kentucky Native Plant Society. Scanned by Omnitek Inc.

The cornflowers are very popular for cottage gardens, meadow gardens and flower beds. They are dependable and easy to take care of. They also make fine cut flowers or long lasting dried flowers.

Propagation:
Sow in late summer or fall in Phoenix or other mild winter areas. The seeds germinate better if they have been kept in your refrigerator for 5 days before sowing. They do better if sowed in place, in any case they should be covered with a thin layer of soil (0.1 inch - 3 mm), since light tends to inhibit the germination. The seeds take about one and a half weeks to germinate. Thin out to 8 to 12 inches apart (20 to 30 cm). Cornflowers will generally self-sow and come back from year to year.