Cornflower Seeds
Centaurea cyanus
Blue cornflower seeds for sculptural flowers. Cornflower seeds have some famous fans. Cornflowers were said to be a favourite of Egyptian Tutankhamun. Other big fans of these bright blue wild cornflowers are bees, butterflies and us.
Approx 200 seeds
- Pot Fans
- Pollinator-Friendly
- Most Light Conditions
- Hardy Annual
Cornflower Seeds – Quick Growing Guide
Cornflower seeds are easy to grow annuals prized for their vivid blue flowers, perfect for UK gardens. Sow from March to September, they attract pollinators and thrive in full sun with well-drained soil. Ideal for adding colour to beds and borders throughout summer.
How to Sow, Grow and Harvest Cornflower Seeds
- Sow:March–September, direct or in pots
- Germination:7–14 days
- Grow:Full sun, well-drained soil, space 20cm apart
- Water:Moderate; keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Harvest:Cut flowers July–September for bouquets or seed saving
- Best for:Beds, borders, pollinator-friendly gardens
Cornflower seeds have a rich history and are loved by gardeners and pollinators alike. These hardy annuals produce vibrant blue blooms that brighten borders and containers. They self-seed freely, making them a sustainable choice for your garden.
Delivered within 2-5 working days via our standard delivery
Standard Delivery
For standard delivery, we’ll work with our delivery partners to ensure you receive your delivery within 2-5 working days.
Express Delivery
You can also send this item the next day, just place the order before 11 am and we'll get it sent out the same day to arrive the following day.
Gifting
Want to send this as a gift? We can include a handwritten note, just add what you'd like to write at checkout.
If you’re worried about your delivery or have any other questions please get in touch at [email protected] and one of our team will come back to you as soon as we can.
For more information on our shipping services, have a look at our FAQs.
Grow in Your Garden
Calendar
How to Grow
Cornflower seeds can be sown directly outdoors from March to June in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, although starting them indoors earlier allows for transplanting after the last frost. These annuals prefer lean, free-draining soils and flourish best in full light conditions.
Sowing
Scatter the cornflower seeds lightly on the soil surface and press them in gently without covering deeply, keeping the soil well hydrated to encourage germination. Sow between March and June for blooms from May to September.
Growing
Once seedlings emerge, thin them to allow about 30 cm spacing to accommodate their 1 m height and 0.3 m spread, ensuring they have enough room to develop in containers or garden beds with at least a 20 cm pot size if grown in pots.
Plant care
Water cornflowers moderately during dry spells but avoid overwatering as they thrive in lean soils. Regular deadheading will promote continuous flowering throughout the summer months, and leaving some flower heads to dry naturally encourages self-seeding for the following season.
About Cornflower
Hardy annual, pollinator-friendly, perfect for pots and borders, self-seeding.
- Pot Fans
- Pollinator-Friendly
- Most Light Conditions
- Hardy Annual
Eventual height & spread
History of Cornflower
Cornflowers were once a national symbol of Germany and have a fascinating history linked to Queen Louise of Prussia. Their bright blue flowers also attract bees and butterflies, supporting garden biodiversity.
| Other Names | bachelor's buttons, barbeau, blaver, blawort, blue blaw, blue bonnets, bluebottle, blue bow, blue poppy, blue sailors, blue tops, bluets, break-your-spectacles, brushes, bunk, corn binks, cornbottle, corn centaury, happy skies, haw dods, hurtsickle, ragged robin, ragged sailor and witches' bells |
|---|---|
| Pet/Baby Safe | Yes |
FAQs
Sow outdoors from March to June for blooms in summer.
Yes, they often self-seed to return year after year.
Absolutely, they thrive in containers with good drainage.