When do cornflowers bloom in Australia?
The short answer is spring if you sow in autumn, and summer if you sow in early spring. Centaurea cyanus is a cold-tolerant annual, so in temperate regions many gardeners scatter seed between March and May and enjoy flowers from about September. In cooler districts, seed sown in September gives summer colour. On the subtropical coast, aim for autumn or winter sowing so that flowers open before humidity builds.
What pink means here
The wild cornflower is blue. Pink is a cultivated colour, one of several pastel and dark options including white, lavender and a very dark maroon. Shades run from soft blush to a stronger rose, and the fringed, spiky petals give the flower a light, airy look. Pink cornflowers go well with blue ones, which makes a classic pastel pairing.
Pink cornflowers: sun, space and seed
- Full sun, well-drained soil and little or no fertiliser.
- Sow direct and thin to about 20 cm.
- Remove old flowers weekly for a long display.
- Expect plants from roughly 40 to 90 cm.
Cutting and pet notes
Pick stems with a couple of open flowers and the rest in bud. In water they last around five to seven days, and the buds continue to open. Strip leaves below the waterline.
Cornflowers are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Cornflower petals can also be dried and used in tea blends, and blue petals are an ingredient in some Lady Grey teas.
