TALL RED CORNFLOWER aka Bachelor Button. An introduced wildflower from Europe. Back in the day these were used as a food coloring for frosting, sugar and candies. Easy to grow from seed. Young cornflower seedlings can tolerate freezing temperatures, so seeds can be planted in early spring, or in the fall where winters are mild. Cornflowers have an upright posture that helps them fit in tight spaces. The nectar is unusually sweet, and thus a preferred food source for many beneficial insects. Plant seeds in soil or in containers about 2 inches apart and 1/4" deep. Thin to 8 inches apart in all directions. Rice-size seeds are loved by goldfinches and other small seed-eating birds. Mature plants are somewhat drought tolerant and deer resistant. These make great cut or dried flowers. 500+ Seeds per order.

 
centaurea cyanus.
 
Annual.
 
Full sun.
 
Spring / Summer / Fall. Soil temp 65F+.
 
SOW- 1/2" deep, 2" apart. Keep moist.
 
Germination 7-10 Days.
 
Thin to 8". Use scissors to cut out unwanted seedlings.
 
Medium water. 
 
Height 30" x 8" wide.
 
Blooms in about 10 weeks. Flowers are red.