Agrostemma githago
corn cockle
Once a common site growing amongst agricultural crops, corn cockle is now quite rare in the wild. An annual plant, it is becoming increasingly popular however as an ornamental, and is sought after for wildflower meadows, garden borders or patio pots. It’s grown for its white-eyed magenta-pink flowers, which appear in summer attracting lots of beneficial insects including bees.
How to care for Agrostemma githago:
Avoid overly rich soil, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Water in well to establish, then only water during prolonged dry spells, as they prefer slightly drier conditions.
Support taller stems if growing in exposed areas. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong the display, but if you want the plants to self-seed, leave a few seed heads to mature at the end of the season.
Support taller stems if growing in exposed areas. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong the display, but if you want the plants to self-seed, leave a few seed heads to mature at the end of the season.
Sowing instructions:
Sow shallowly, directly into a well prepared bed in spring and water well. As the seedlings develop, thin them out to 30cm intervals keeping just the healthiest and most robust plants. Although they set seed freely, germination is usually only triggered if the soil has been dug over in the autumn.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.6m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten
