Cornflower: The Blue Flower of Fields and Gardens

The cornflower is one of the most recognisable flowers of the Ukrainian summer: bright blue heads among golden wheat, wreaths of cornflowers and poppies. Wild cornflowers are rarer than they once were, but garden varieties and perennial relatives brighten flower beds, and cornflower bouquets are back in fashion. Here are the types, how to grow them and what the flower means.

View full-size photoBlue cornflowers often grow among wheat fields, creating a vivid contrast.

Cornflower and other species

Centaurea is a large genus of the daisy family. The most common in gardens are:

• Cornflower (C. cyanus) — an annual 30–80 cm tall with bright blue flower heads. Garden varieties come in sky blue, pink, white, burgundy and near black ('Black Ball'), including doubles.
• Mountain cornflower (C. montana) — a perennial with large, spidery blue flowers from May.
• Persian cornflower (C. dealbata) — perennial, pink flowers and silvery leaf undersides.
• Giant knapweed (C. macrocephala) — tall, with yellow heads, good for cutting and drying.

How to grow cornflowers from seed

• Sowing: sow annual cornflowers directly outdoors in April–May or in autumn (October–November), 1–2 cm deep, thinning to 20–30 cm.
• Position: full sun; even poor sandy soil will do, while too much fertiliser makes them tall and less floriferous.
• Care: water only in severe drought; deadheading extends flowering into autumn. They self-seed readily.
• Perennial species are planted as young plants or divisions in spring and divided every 3–4 years.

Cornflowers in Ukrainian tradition

The cornflower (волошка) is a symbol of Ukrainian fields and maidenly beauty. It was woven into wreaths with poppies, daisies and ears of wheat, and in folk legends stands for loyalty and tenderness. The blue of cornflowers among yellow wheat is often seen as a natural echo of the colours of the Ukrainian flag. Read more in plant symbols of Ukraine.

View full-size photoDifferent cornflower species brighten a garden bed.

Cornflowers in bouquets and dried arrangements

Cornflowers bring rare natural blue and a meadow feel to bouquets, pairing well with daisies, wheat, lavender and white roses. Cut stems last about a week, and dried petals keep their colour for a long time — they decorate dried arrangements and tea blends. More meadow flowers in wild flowers; the full A–Z is in types of flowers.

FAQ

When should I sow cornflowers?

In spring (April–May) or in autumn (October–November), directly outdoors.

Is cornflower annual or perennial?

Centaurea cyanus is an annual that self-seeds; mountain and Persian cornflowers are perennials.

How long do cornflowers last in a vase?

About a week if cut as they start to open and the water is changed regularly.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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