How to Grow Cornflower

A cool-season flower for the home garden across the warmer US.

Cornflower is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Cornflower is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the cornflower page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Blue Boy, Classic true-blue bachelor's button (Botanical Interests)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 20 cm (8 in) between plants.
• Sowing: barely cover the seed.
• Water: roughly 3 L per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Aphids. In humid regions, Powdery mildew can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Cornflower is usually ready to harvest in about 2 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant cornflower where you garden.

See also: Cornflower in the plant library →

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