How to grow cornflowers at home?

The blue cornflower has rightfully earned its status as the king of garden cornflowers. Despite the fact that this plant is an annual, no perennial species can compare with it in the beauty of flowering, and the shape and structural features of its flower have long become a kind of standard. Today, thanks to the efforts of breeders from all over the world, the pure, rich and surprisingly cute shades of the blue palette are expanding with white, pink, red and purple colors, but this does not change the nature of the plant itself.

Blue cornflower, Sowing cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)

Touching, graceful and very beautiful, the blue cornflower is no longer perceived as a weed, despite the fact that its wild counterparts are still found in any field today. But the main advantage of this summer man and his relatives can rightfully be called an amazingly simple agricultural technique.

We select the conditions for annual cornflowers

It is no coincidence that cornflowers can most often be found in nature in an open field. These are cold-resistant plants that are not afraid of night frosts and cold snaps, characterized by extreme light-requiring. Growing annual cornflowers, both the favorite and most popular blue cornflower, and more rare species, you can not even try without good lighting. For cornflowers, they choose the sunniest locations, open, warm or even hot. In light shading, only a one-year-old soft cornflower can be grown, but it blooms much worse in places with even weak partial shade, even if it forms there the most beautiful dense thickets of leaves, as if covered with a silver coating.

When planning plantings with cornflower, one more factor should be considered. For this summer, the lighting is not of the flowers, but of the leaves. Sunlight should illuminate all the greenery evenly on a fairly small plant. That is why, when planting in a mixed type composition with perennials, and even annuals, annual cornflowers are always placed in the foreground (regardless of the height of the variety). This strategy is ideal for allowing sunlight to reach even the bottom of the plants. For the same reason, cornflowers cannot be used in thickened plantings and dense flower beds, they are carefully selected partners, most often combined with low-growing plants than with other large annuals and perennials.

To achieve abundant and long-lasting flowering, you will have to take care of providing the cornflowers with the best quality soil, cultivated and medium-nutritious. This annual will release a large number of spectacular and large flowers only on fertile (but not excessively rich in humus) and drained, neutral in its characteristics soil. Calcareous or overly acidic soils for cornflowers are best avoided, as well as compacted or too dry, loose, rocky soil.

The minimum distance comfortable for these plants is about half a meter for standard medium and tall varieties of blue cornflower. Only such a distance and the presence of free soil around will allow the plants not to darken each other. There are no special rules for planting annual cornflowers.

Elementary care for annual cornflowers

In fact, caring for blue cornflower and other annual species comes down to timely weeding and light loosening of the soil, which must be carried out for young plants. By resorting to the soil mulching method, you can save yourself the need to carry out even minimal procedures for these annuals. The only thing that is definitely worth taking care of is oh timely cutting of faded shootswhich will stimulate longer and more massive flowering.

Most cornflowers are drought-resistant plants, in particular the most popular blue cornflower does an excellent job even with long periods of complete drying out of the soil. At the same time, some more rare annual cornflowers, for example, soft and meadow cornflowers, do not like droughts and for them it is necessary to maintain at least a slight soil moisture. Since June, when the abundant flowering of the blue cornflower starts, during especially long droughts, maintenance watering can be carried out to preserve the number of flowers, but even at this time they are not at all a mandatory procedure.

If you have planted cornflowers in fertile soil, then there will be no need for feeding. For cornflowers, an excess of nutrients in the soil is no less dangerous than their lack. If you wish, you can add additional fertilizing at the very beginning of flowering, using half the standard dose of complete mineral fertilizers, but you should not do systemic fertilizing even when you grow annual cornflowers for the sake of cutting. If the flowering deteriorates sharply and the number of flowers decreases, the second wave is delayed, you can repeat the non-concentrated top dressing for additional stimulation, but usually, for almost continuous colorful flowering, it is enough to remove the wilting peduncles in a timely manner.

Cornflowers bloom throughout the summer and before the arrival of the autumn cold, but even with prolonged rains they are not susceptible to diseases and are not sensitive to pests. They can only suffer from fusarium, and even then only if grown in annual beds in the company of heavily infected plants.

Reproduction of annual cornflowers

Annual cornflowers can be propagated exclusively by seed. Crops of cornflowers that are not afraid of return frosts and cold even at the germination stage can be carried out directly into open soil. The optimal time for sowing is the first decade of May, but blue cornflower seeds can be sown even in April, provided that the soil is already well warmed up.

The seeds germinate about a week after sowing. It is possible to grow annual cornflowers through seedling beds with the subsequent transfer of plants, and directly at the growing site, followed by thinning and transplanting.

Cornflowers are annual or perennial plants from the Astrovye family with flowers of various colors; there are also varieties with double inflorescences.

These flowers are appreciated by gardeners for their unpretentious care and long flowering. The details of growing cornflowers in the garden will be discussed below.

Cornflowers in flower beds

In total, about 500 species of cornflowers are known, which grow in Europe, Asia and America. But the greatest value for flower growers is primarily represented by large-flowered varieties of perennial cornflowers, which are very well suited for cutting and planting on flower beds.

Cornflower mountain

The marginal inflorescences of this species are pinnate, and the tubular ones located in the middle

A perennial plant with erect stems up to half a meter high, single large flowers, up to 6 cm in diameter, blooms from mid-May to early August.

Bred varieties with flowers of the following colors:

• light yellow;
• purple;
• purple;
• white;
• pink.

When grown, this type of cornflowers grows into vast meadows. It is appreciated by flower growers for its high winter hardiness, unpretentiousness and large inflorescences.

Whitewashed cornflower

Herbaceous medium-growing plant, whitened cornflower looks great in mixborders

A perennial species that grows in the wild in the mountain meadows of the Caucasus. Plant height up to 60 cm, when growing, forms vast glades.

Flowers in this species are up to 5 cm in diameter.

Flowering begins in June and ends in August. After flowering, the plants retain their beautiful appearance due to the lush foliage and shrubs of the correct spherical shape.

Note: to prolong flowering and improve the appearance of already flowering plants, it is recommended to periodically trim faded baskets.

Cornflower round-headed

Flowers of this species are similar in shape to thistle inflorescences.

The largest and tallest representative of perennial species of cornflowers. Plant height reaches 1.5 meters. Single yellow inflorescences up to 5 cm in diameter.

Flowers of this species are similar in shape to thistle inflorescences.... Flowering begins in July and lasts about 1.5 months. In flower beds, it is used to create a background.

Fisher's cornflower

A low perennial species, in floriculture it is used as a ground cover plant when creating alpine slides and borders. A distinctive feature of this species is the gray pubescence of the leaves and stems of the plant.

Fischer's cornflower can be found in the alpine meadows of the Caucasus

Musky cornflower

Amberboa (musk cornflower) is an annual plant with a delicate pleasant aroma

An annual representative of the cornflower genus, its distinctive feature is the light and pleasant aroma of flowers. It is characterized by highly branched stems, the height of which reaches 80 cm.

Flower baskets are large, their diameter reaches 8 cm. Inflorescences can be of the following colors:

• yellow;
• lilac;
• white;
• purple.

Landing rules

Cornflowers are practically not affected by diseases and pests

When choosing a place for planting these unpretentious flowers, you must adhere to the following rules:

• the site must be sunny, only slight shading is allowed;
• any soil will do, but it will be best to grow a cornflower on scanty soils with the addition of lime;
• watering is moderate (it is better to use a drip irrigation system), when planting seedlings plentiful.

It is important: if the acidity of the soil is increased, the growth and development of cornflowers is inhibited. In this case, liming of the soil is necessary.

Reproduction

Cornflower seeds retain their germination for about 3 years and are able to germinate 2 weeks after sowing

Cornflowers reproduce very well by seeds, which are sown directly into the ground in the month of April. After the seedlings have two pairs of true leaves, they are transplanted to a permanent place.

Perennial species can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes in the spring or autumn. Experienced flower growers recommend carrying it out no more than once every 3 years.

Note: after planting, the aboveground part of the plants must be cut off, leaving a stump no more than 10 cm high. This simple technique will speed up the process of plant adaptation in a new place.

Correct care

Cornflowers do not require special care and are suitable for growing even for novice growers. They can grow in one place for more than 10 years.

For successful cultivation, you need to follow simple agricultural techniques such as:

• weed removal;
• loosening the soil around the bushes;
• timely watering;
• pruning stems leaving a root rosette of leaves after flowering;
• top dressing during the flowering period with mineral fertilizer with a high content of phosphorus and potassium.

Medical use

In medicine, a wild species is used - field cornflower or blue, which is a malicious weed.

For medicinal purposes, its flowers are used, which, after being harvested, are dried in the shade without direct sunlight.

Cornflower extracts are widely used in the cosmetic industry and traditional medicine.

Important information: the cornflower, like any other medicinal plant, has contraindications, therefore, a specialist consultation is necessary before use.

 
See overview video about growing and caring for cornflowers:

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Any summer resident seeks to decorate his site with beautiful flowers and plants. On sale you can find a wide variety of crops that differ from each other in color, size and life expectancy. Gardeners have a special love for wildflowers, the cultivation of which can be done on their own. It is to such plants that the terry cornflower is referred to, which we will consider in more detail.

Flower characteristic

Cornflower is considered an ornamental crop and can have a variety of colors - from white to deep purple... In this variety, the inflorescences are terry, rising on thin branched stems, reaching a height of 50 cm, and the diameter of the flowers themselves is 6 cm.

This plant looks great:

• in flower beds;
• in mixborders.

These flowers make wonderful borders and ridges, they can also be planted in arrays or in separate groups.

Growing terry cornflower from seeds

This flower is an annual plant, its planting is carried out in a seedless way, sowing seeds directly into the ground. When is the best time to plant seeds? The optimal time for this is the end of April or the beginning of May.

Growing cornflower seeds from seeds should take place in a sunny place. This flower prefers soil:

• well drained;
• non-acidic;
• sandy loam.

It is generally accepted that the cultivation of these plants from seeds on alkaline soil is much more intensive, and their color becomes brighter. If the soil is clay, sand should be added to it, and lime is added to the acidic soil before planting cornflowers, and this must be done before the onset of winter.

Landing rules

Before growing cornflower from seed for him prepare the beds... To do this, take 2 kg of humus and peat per m2, adding 100 g of wood ash and 1 tbsp. l. nitrophosphate. After that, they dig up the beds, making a depression of 25 cm, level the soil and compact it a little, creating small grooves. The soil is abundantly watered and seeds are sown into it, and 1 cm of well-sifted earth is poured on top of them. Then the soil is carefully tamped by hand, and the beds are covered with fabric material.

To create a flower arrangement, the rows must be formed in such a way that the cornflowers do not subsequently create a shadow for each other. Therefore, they should be planted with in steps of 40 - 50 cm.

After planting the seeds, the beds are watered from above directly over the material and do this every 2 to 3 days. 2 liters of water are used per 1 m2. Terry cornflowers begin to germinate a week or two after planting the seeds, in which case this tissue is removed. In order for the plants to be strong, they should be thinned out, leaving an interval of 10 - 12 cm between them.

The cultivation of terry cornflowers can be carried out not only in the beds, but also in pots on the balcony... The planting material retains its germination capacity for 2 - 3 years.

Care

To grow strong and beautiful flowers, they must be properly cared for. Therefore, you need to adhere to the following recommendations.

Fertilization

In order to achieve abundant flowering of cornflowers, they should be fertilized, and this must be done before the onset of such a period.To do this, use components such as:

• urea;
• nitrophoska.

Take them 1 tbsp. l. and diluted in 10 liters of ordinary water... This solution is used to water the plants, consuming 3-4 liters of fertilizer per 1 m2. Excessive feeding contributes to the yellowing of the leaves. Such a preparation as "Zircon" helps to speed up the flowering of cornflowers. The plant is sprayed with this agent before budding begins.

Watering and pest control

Growing flowers should be watered, but this should be done in moderation. Excessive soil moisture only harms plants, and they may even die... It is also necessary to regularly weed and loosen the soil.

Cornflower can be affected by fusarium, resulting in dark spots on its leaves. In this case, chemical means of protection are used, namely, the plant is treated with foundation. However, many gardeners recommend first using more environmentally friendly methods - sprinkle the flower with ash or water it with an infusion made from fresh manure. To prepare it, take three parts of a mullein and the same amount of water, mix and insist for 3 days. The use of such an infusion allows not only to get rid of a fungal disease, but also helps to feed the plant.

Thus, we found out that the terry cornflower is a rather unpretentious plant, and it is also easy to grow it from seeds. It is able to grow on fairly problematic soil without the use of additional fertilizer. But only proper care of the cornflower can make it a real decoration of any personal plot.

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Cornflower is a bright and beautiful flower that adorns summer cottages. The flower is considered an ornamental growing culture. Depending on the type of cornflower, its color may also change. So, in addition to the usual blue and lilac flowers, there are pink, burgundy, blue, yellow and other shades. The sizes of plants also vary - from 35 cm (dwarf varieties) to 110 cm (tall varieties). Massive cornflower inflorescences are in the form of a ball or cylinder. The leaves of the plant are whole or dissected. Placed in regular order on the stem. This culture is unpretentious both to climatic conditions and to the type of soil. Cornflowers bloom from June to late August. The culture does not need careful maintenance, therefore it is appreciated by many gardeners.

     

Annual cornflower: species and varieties

 

Cornflower blue

Cornflowers of this species are double and semi-double, of various colors and heights.

The best tall varieties (up to 80 cm): "Blue Diadem" (pictured), "Blue Ball", "Red Ball", "Frosty", "Black Ball" (chocolate inflorescences).

The best dwarf varieties (up to 30 cm): "Polka Dot" (inflorescences up to 5 s, various colors), blue "Jubilee Gem" and soft pink "Florence Pink".

 

Musky cornflower

The variety blooms with flowers of various colors, similar to small down-padded coats, including yellow. The best variety is "Sweet Sultan" (pictured).

 

Cornflower - growing from seeds
in the open field

 

When growing cornflower, there is no need to take care of seedlings. This flower grows and grows well when sown directly into the ground. In addition, the root of the cornflower is pivotal, so this plant is reluctant to transplant.

 

Time and place to plant cornflowers

 

Cornflowers are an undemanding culture, however, some rules should be followed when planting them. It is possible to sow annual cornflowers in the Urals in late April - early May, then in the summer it will be possible to observe its flowering. So, first of all, they love sunny meadows, so try to plant them in those areas where sunlight comes very well. Having chosen a sunny place, don't bother too much about the composition of the soil.Cornflower is one of the few colors that will accept any soil and any land. But for liming and feeding with stove ash, he will be very grateful and reward with lush flowering.

 

Cornflower: planting seeds in the ground

 

Dig up the bed, level the soil and tamp it down a little, creating small grooves. Water the soil abundantly and sow seeds into it, pour 1 cm of well-sifted soil on top of them. Then gently tamp the soil with your hand, and cover the beds with covering material. Sowing of seeds is carried out quite rarely, and after germination it is also thinned out. The distance between the plants is about 10 cm if tall forms are sown. Then, when lodging, the plants seem to support each other. But low varieties and hybrids of cornflower are thinned out, leaving a distance between plants up to 20 cm. Low forms are more likely to bush, they are not so subject to lodging. The gusty wind can not turn them into disheveled handsome men so quickly. If you are forming a floral arrangement, try to plant cornflowers in the first row so that taller plants do not shade them. The same rule applies when planting flowers in the garden.

After planting the seeds, the beds are watered every 2 to 3 days. For 1 sq. meter use 2 liters of water. Cornflowers begin to sprout a couple of weeks after planting the seeds, in which case the tissue is removed. For plants to be strong, they should be thinned out, leaving the interval described above.

 

Cornflower: outdoor care

 

Fertilization

 

In order to achieve abundant flowering of cornflowers, they should be fertilized, and this must be done before flowering. For this, urea and nitrophosphate are used. Take them for 1 tbsp. l. and diluted in 10 liters of ordinary water. This solution begins to water the plants, consuming 3-4 liters of fertilizer per 1 sq. meter. Excessive feeding contributes to the yellowing of the leaves. Such a preparation as "Zircon" helps to speed up the flowering of cornflowers. The plant is sprayed with this agent before budding begins.

 

Watering cornflowers

 

Growing flowers should be watered, but this should be done in moderation. Excessive soil moisture only harms the plants, and they may even die. It is also necessary to regularly weed and loosen the soil.

 

Disease and pest control

 

Cornflower can be amazed fusarium, as a result of which dark spots appear on its leaves. In this case, chemical means of protection are used, namely, the plant is treated with foundation. However, many gardeners recommend first using more environmentally friendly methods - sprinkle the flower with ash or water it with an infusion made from fresh manure. To prepare it, take three parts of a mullein and the same amount of water, mix and insist for 3 days. The use of such an infusion allows not only to get rid of the fungal disease, but also helps to feed the plant.