Blue Boy Cornflower

$3.49

Centaurea cyanus. Centaurea are also known as Bachelor’s Buttons. These familiar, charming, brightly-coloured pompoms on fuzzy grey stems, are well loved by humans and attractive to beneficial hover-flies. Blue Boy is at home in borders, with herbs, or in the kitchen garden. Direct sow Blue Boy cornflower seeds at repeated intervals in April to June to extend bloom. Centaurea can also be planted in October on the Coast. Blue Boy has the traditional vivid blue blossoms, tall growing for masses of cut flowers. Centaurea flowers also dry particularly well. Tear fresh flower petals for use in salads, teas, or fancy drinks. Plant height 90cm (36″). It is drought tolerant once established, so good for xeriscaping.

Annual.

1g (approximately 225 seeds)

 

In stock

Description

Centaurea cyanus. Centaurea are also known as Bachelor’s Buttons. These familiar, charming, brightly-coloured pompoms on fuzzy grey stems, are well loved by humans and attractive to beneficial hover-flies. Blue Boy is at home in borders, with herbs, or in the kitchen garden. Direct sow Blue Boy cornflower seeds at repeated intervals in April to June to extend bloom. Centaurea can also be planted in October on the Coast. Blue Boy has the traditional vivid blue blossoms, tall growing for masses of cut flowers. Centaurea flowers also dry particularly well. Tear fresh flower petals for use in salads, teas, or fancy drinks. Plant height 90cm (36″). It is drought tolerant once established, so good for xeriscaping.

Annual.

1g (approximately 225 seeds)

Difficulty
Very easy

Season & Zone

Exposure: Full sun

Timing

Direct sow starting just before last frost, and again every two weeks until end of spring. Centaurea can be direct sown in autumn as well. Starting indoors is not necessary, but can be accomplished by keeping seed trays in the dark at the optimal soil temperature of 15-21°C (60-70°F). Move under bright lights once germination occurs, and transplant out in late spring, after all risk of frost has passed.

Starting

Just cover the small seeds. Thin or space to 15-30cm (6-12″) apart.

Growing

We acknowledge that Centaurea cyanus sometimes appears on lists of invasive species. In our experience, for the back yard or balcony gardener, this is not an issue, and the plants are easily controlled. They are short rooted, and can be pulled up with little effort. Unlike some plants, its seeds simply drop locally if allowed to mature, and do not eject, and they do not spread by underground rhizome. We respectfully ask that gardeners who live in threatened or sensitive ecosystems take this into consideration when planting Centaurea, just like any other type of seed.

About West Coast Seeds

West Coast Seeds  was founded in 1983 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Our purpose is to source and supply seeds of a higher quality than have been available to home gardeners. Following the traditions of organic farming and gardening, untreated and certified organic seeds are our focus. West Coast Seeds is certified by the Pacific Agriculture Certification Society (Certification number 16-205).

 

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