Centaurea cyanus 'Black Ball'
cornflower
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
approx 300 seeds
£2.89
Seed Packets (only)£2.95
Named Day Delivery£10.95
