Days to Maturity: 56 to 84
Fleuroselect Novelty Award 2011
'Classic Romantic' Cornflower Mix (Centaurea) are cool weather annuals offering late spring through summer interest. Often grown in cutting gardens, the plants bloom abundantly, have a long bloom period, and produce charming daisy-like double flowers in a well-balanced mix of pink, white, and rosy-red shades. Some are red with white tips, some have light petals and a dark center, and still others are varying combinations of pink and red. Borne singly on tall, willowy stems, the long-lasting, nectar-rich flowers attract honeybees and butterflies and add lovely bits of color to floral arrangements, cut or dried. The flowers are edible and can be used as garnish.
These hardy plants, also known as cornflowers or bachelor's buttons, have an upright, clumping habit of lance-shaped, gray-green leaves. Easy to establish from seed, low maintenance, and very adaptable, the plants prefer full sun and average, medium moisture, well-drained soils but will grow in poor soil and tolerate low water conditions. Plants reseed and naturalize easily. It is disease and deer resistant and drought tolerant.
Plants can also be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before last the last frost date in spring and transplanted to the garden after the threat of frost has passed. In warm climates, seed can be sown for fall.
If you plan to start your seeds indoors, be sure to check out our Bio Dome Seed Starter Kit. With the Bio Dome, you can control the temperature, light, and soil mix to ensure your seeds become strong for transplant.
