Corncockle
Agrostemma githago
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Pl. 8146 — Agrostemma githago
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IOverview
Overview
Corncockle (Agrostemma githago) is an annual forb or herb native to regions including Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, and parts of the Middle East. This plant reaches a height of about 0.9 meters and thrives in light, medium, and heavy soil types, with a preference for slightly alkaline conditions (pH 7.5–8). Known for its edible leaves, corncockle is also notable for its distinctive light pink to purple flowers that appear during the summer months. Its native range extends from Eastern Europe to parts of Asia Minor, making it a fascinating addition to gardens and fields where it can grow in various habitats.
Quick answers
What is Corncockle?
Corncockle (Agrostemma githago) is an annual forb or herb native to regions including Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, and parts of the Middle East. This plant reaches a height of about 0.9 meters and thrives in light, medium, and heavy soil types, with a preference for slightly alkaline conditions (pH 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Corncockle thrives in light to medium and heavy soils, preferring a pH of 7.5–8. It is adaptable to various conditions but prefers dry to moist environments. This annual plant grows up to 0.9 meters tall and requires full sun to partial shade. For best results, sow seeds directly into the garden bed in spring or early summer. Harvest edible leaves as needed throughout the growing season. SKIP
Light
7/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.9 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Corncockle for the first time
7steps
Start with Corncockle as a simple annual plant, focusing on basic care and harvesting.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a garden plot or container pot.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when soil is warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose well-draining soil with a pH between 7.5-8; ensure containers are at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, spacing them about 20 cm apart; thin seedlings to 30 cm if necessary.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged; monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent watering, especially during dry spells; deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any yellowing leaves and remove spent flower heads to maintain plant health.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of the Corncockle are edible and can be prepared in various ways. They are often used fresh, added to salads or cooked as a green vegetable. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
21 native · 9 introduced
Distribution
21 native · 9 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 21 native· 9 introduced
Europe8 regions
native (7)AlbaniaBulgariaGreeceItalyRomaniaRussiaUkraine
introduced (1)Spain
Asia5 regions
native (4)IranIraqPalestineTurkey
introduced (1)Afghanistan
Americas1 region
native (1)Haiti
Africa2 regions
introduced (2)LibyaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia, East Aegean Is., Kriti, Turkey-in-Europe, Lebanon-Syria, Transcaucasus
introduced:Massachusetts, Baltic States, Montana, Maryland, Maine
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 81461fbf-7d3a-436d-b9db-22306d9a6b74
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