Yellow Cornflower

What Yellow Cornflower is

Yellow Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) is an annual flower of the Daisy family (Asteraceae). Yellow meadow rue is a perennial plant with yellow flowers that bloom in summer.

It grows in moist, well-drained soils and prefers sunny or partially shaded places.

Its leaves are pinnate and the stems are tall and elegant.

This plant is often used in garden plantings for its beautiful appearance and slightly airy look.

The cornflower is the wild blue flower of the cornfields turned garden classic — undemanding, rich in nectar and great for bouquets and drying.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 85%
• Seeds per packet: 42–58 pcs (0.1 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: March and April; direct
• Flowering: July and August
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Yellow Cornflower

Yellow Cornflower seeds are sown in March and April. The plants flower in July and August. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Yellow Cornflower

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 1–2 cm
• Spacing: 20–30 cm
• Germination: 7–14 days at 15–20 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Seed preparation: Thalictrum flavum seeds can be sown directly in the soil or subjected to stratification to increase their germination rate. They can be placed in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks before sowing (a strategy known as cold stratification). Soil: Choose well-drained, moist soil rich in organic matter. Provide a sunny or partially shaded spot. Sowing: If sowing indoors (for seedlings), use shallow containers and place the seeds on the soil surface, pressing them in lightly. Cover with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite. If sowing directly in the garden, distribute the seeds evenly over the chosen area and cover very lightly with soil. Watering: Keep the soil moist but not too wet. The plant likes moist conditions but does not tolerate standing water. Temperature: For germination it is advisable to keep it at a temperature between 15-20°C. The seeds usually germinate after 2-4 weeks.

Sow directly in autumn (September–October) or early spring. Does not need feeding; tall varieties are staked.

Flowering and uses

Cut the flowers as they open; dried, they keep their colour.

Frequently asked questions

When should Yellow Cornflower be sown?

The recommended sowing months are March and April. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 42–58 seeds, pack size 0.1 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 85%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

Can cornflower be sown in autumn?

Yes — autumn sowing gives stronger plants and earlier flowering.