Cornflower, also known as bachelor's button or Centaurea cyanus, is a charming annual plant native to Europe. It's named for its historical association with fields of corn, where it often grew as a weed. However, its bright blue flowers and delicate appearance have made it a beloved garden flower.
The cornflower typically grows to about 1 to 3 feet tall and features slender stems with lance-shaped leaves. Its flowers are a striking blue hue, although cultivated varieties can also be found in shades of pink, white, and purple. The flowers have a distinctive fringed appearance and bloom profusely throughout the summer months.
Cornflowers are easy to grow and can thrive in various soil types, but they prefer well-drained, sandy soil and full sunlight. They are often used in wildflower gardens, borders, and as cut flowers in bouquets. Additionally, cornflowers are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them a valuable addition to any garden ecosystem.
How to sow the seeds..
40% soil
40% dry cow dung
20% vermicompost
(50% soil and 50% cow dung if vermicompost is not available)
Add these and mix well and remove all the stones and lumps from it.. After filling three quarters of the pan with soil, pour water and keep it wet for 10 minutes..
Leave the seeds in the sun for 10 minutes and then put them on top of the water soaked soil..then spread a small layer of compost and soil mix on top of it (a very small layer).
No water is required for the first three days. After that spray water twice a day. Keep these pots in a place that does not get direct sunlight.. After the seeds germinate and get 4-5 leaves, healthy seedlings can be transplanted to other pots.
The seeds take 14 - 21 days to germinate
Manure and compost are recommended as fertilizers.
