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Centaurea cyanus 'Black Ball'

cornflower

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Altogether charming, dark crimson flowers, which look almost black on cloudy days, sit on top of upright, branching stems, looking like miniature pom-poms. Ideally suited to wildflower meadows or naturalised planting schemes, the flowers will hold their colour well and will attract beneficial insects in their droves.

How to care for Centaurea cyanus Black Ball:

In early autumn surface-sow in trays of good seed compost and over-winter in a cold frame or greenhouse, thinning out and potting on as they grow. These can be planted out in spring and produce early flowers. Alternatively, shallow-sow directly into a well-prepared seedbed in spring, thinning out to 15cm. This plant will produce more flowers when grown in poor soils, so don’t over-fertilise. Pinching out the growing tips will encourage bushier growth.

Flowering period:
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Eventual height:
0.75m
Eventual spread:
0.15m
Position:

Full sun

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

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SD30000507
approx 300 seeds
£2.89
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Standard delivery Seed Packets (only)£2.95
Nominated delivery Named Day Delivery£10.95

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