Cornflower
Centaurea cyanus
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Pl. 93CF — Centaurea cyanus
Centaurea cyanusCentaurea cyanusCentaurea cyanusCentaurea cyanusCentaurea cyanusCentaurea cyanusCentaurea cyanusCentaurea cyanusCentaurea cyanusCentaurea cyanusCentaurea cyanusCentaurea cyanusCentaurea cyanusCentaurea cyanus
IOverview
Overview
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) is an annual forb or herb known for its ornamental value and culinary uses. Native to regions including Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Lebanon-Syria, Romania, Sicilia, Turkey, and Yugoslavia, this plant thrives in light, medium, and heavy soils with a preference for slightly acidic to neutral conditions (pH 5–5.5). Cornflowers are drought-tolerant yet can flourish in moist environments. They grow up to one meter tall and are valued not only for their vibrant blue flowers but also for their edible shoots and blossoms. Their adaptability makes them suitable for gardens and landscapes where they add a splash of color and a touch of culinary interest.
Quick answers
What is Cornflower?
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) is an annual forb or herb known for its ornamental value and culinary uses.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cornflower thrives in light to medium soil and can tolerate heavier clay soils as well. It prefers a pH range of 5 to 5.5 and is best grown in areas with dry to moist conditions. Cornflower requires full sun or partial shade and should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. As an annual plant, it grows up to 1 meter tall and can be propagated by seed. Harvest edible parts such as flowers and shoots for culinary use. SKIP
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
5–5.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Cornflower for the first time
8steps
Start with easy-to-grow Cornflowers for a rewarding beginner gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Cornflower seeds, small pots or direct planting area, garden soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or start indoors about 4-6 weeks before outdoor planting.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining spot with light to medium soil. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden, covering them lightly. Alternatively, start indoors and transplant seedlings after danger of frost passes.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Thin out seedlings to about 30 cm apart once they have several leaves.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Deadhead flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back plants after flowering to maintain shape and promote new growth. Cut stems for dried flower arrangements.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting deadheading, sowing too late in the season.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersShoots
Edible uses: Colouring
Other uses:DyeHairInkFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
11 native · 19 introduced
Distribution
11 native · 19 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 11 native· 19 introduced
Europe6 regions
native (5)AlbaniaBulgariaGreeceItalyRomania
introduced (1)Russia
Asia1 region
native (1)Turkey
Americas4 regions
introduced (4)El SalvadorGreenlandHondurasUnited States
Broader regions
native:Turkey-in-Europe, Lebanon-Syria, Yugoslavia, East Aegean Is.
introduced:Arkansas, Chita, Cape Provinces, California, Arizona, Alberta, East Himalaya, Buryatiya, Falkland Is., Florida, Free State, Idaho, District of Columbia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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