Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous
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Soil
Any good garden soil.
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Position
Full sun.
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Frost tolerant
Young cornflower seedlings can tolerate freezing temperatures, so seeds can be planted in early spring, or in the fall where winters are mild.
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Feeding
Fast growth is encouraged by mixing a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil before planting.
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Companions
Cornflowers have an upright posture that helps them fit in tight spaces. Intersperse throughout the garden, as cornflower nectar is unusually sweet, and thus a preferred food source for many beneficial insects.
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Spacing
Single Plants: 7" (20cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 7" (20cm) with 7" (20cm) row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Sow cornflowers from early to mid spring for early summer bloom. Also sow in fall in climates with mild winters. Plant seeds in soil or in containers about 2 inches (5 cm) apart and one-half inch (1 cm) deep. Thin to 8 inches (20 cm) apart in all directions.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Rice-size cornflower seeds are much loved by goldfinches and other small seed-eating birds.
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Harvesting
Cornflowers make good cut flowers. Pull up the plants in mid to late summer, when they no longer look attractive.
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Troubleshooting
Cornflowers may be nibbled by rabbits, especially in early spring when other food is scarce.
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