Centaurea cyanus has become naturalized in many parts of the world at the same time it’s considered endangered in its native habitats in Europe mostly due to herbicide overuse.
This flower has a long history and is used in everything from political and monarchy symbols to folk medicine and food. But most of us just know it as a garden ornamental that isn’t picky about maintenance. If flower heads are allowed to dry on their stocks Bachelor’s Button will reseed freely. Sometimes too freely–West Virginia, Georgia, and Alaska have the flowers on their invasive species lists.
Other Interesting or Semi-Interesting Things About This Plant
This flower is considered an archaeophyte in the UK, meaning it’s a plant that was introduced to a region and naturalized in the ancient past.
Austria had outlawed Nazis in the 1930s and so members of the party used the cornflower as a symbol to identify each other. Unfortunately, many present-day far-right European groups still use this as their symbol.
Various grains were called “corn” in Europe. The Cornflower gets that name due to its invasive weed nature in the fields.
Called Hurtsickle in parts of Europe because farmers considered it a weed and used sickles to cut it down.
Specifications & Growing Information
- Latin: Centaurea cyanus
- Annual that reseeds
- Stratification? No, but a cold spell can help germination
- Germination in 8-16 days at 60-70F
- Full sun or half shade
- Height: 1-3 ft
Sowing Directions: Direct sow on weed-free soil barely covering seed with soil. Tends to work best in alkaline soils but isn’t that picky. Moderate water needs.
- Deadheading can extend blooms but isn’t necessary.
- Likes a little chill before germination. If sowing in Spring, stick in your fridge for 2 weeks or more.
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