Centaurea

The genus Cornflower (Centaurea) unites over 500 annual, biennial and perennial species. All cornflowers bloom in summer, and blue cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) in spring. The inflorescence-basket is formed by the marginal funnel-shaped and median tubular flowers of various, depending on the species and variety, colors (white, yellow, pink, blue, blue, lilac). Numerous garden forms and varieties are conventionally divided into two groups - according to the height of the stem. Tall ones (60-80 cm) are grown for cutting. Low (15-30 cm) - for creating borders and growing in pots. Blue cornflower (C. cyanus) is a widespread plant of this genus, an annual, abundantly branching bush 50-80 cm high. Formed baskets 5-8 cm in diameter, blue in the original species and pink, red, purple and white in garden forms. Cornflower Babylonian (C. babilonica) originated from the Middle East region. Biennial view; in the summer, yellow basket inflorescences bloom. Whitewashed cornflower (C. dealbata) comes from Asia Minor. It is a perennial species with purple-pink baskets on branched stems. Variety 'John Coates' is characterized by bright pink baskets with a pale yellow or light center. Large-headed cornflower (C. macrocephala) is a perennial native to Armenia, up to 1.2 m high, with numerous (up to 40) peduncles, on which long-lasting yellow baskets with a diameter of 10 cm grow. Cornflower mountain (C. montana) is a widespread perennial species with purple-blue flowers. It is especially common in the mountains and foothills of Europe. Musk cornflower (C. moschata) is a densely branching bush, annual. Leaves are light green dissected along the edge. All flowers in the inflorescence are tubular, with a special aroma reminiscent of the smell of cinnamon. They are painted in white, lilac, reddish purple and purple hues and bloom all summer.

The genus Cornflower (Centaurea) unites over 500 annual, biennial and perennial species. All cornflowers bloom in summer, and blue cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) in spring. The inflorescence-basket is formed by the marginal funnel-shaped and median tubular flowers of various, depending on the species and variety, colors (white, yellow, pink, blue, blue, lilac). Numerous garden forms and varieties are conventionally divided into two groups - according to the height of the stem. Tall ones (60-80 cm) are grown for cutting. Low (15-30 cm) - for creating borders and growing in pots.

Blue cornflower (C. cyanus) is a widespread plant of this genus, an annual, abundantly branching bush 50-80 cm high. Formed baskets 5-8 cm in diameter, blue in the original species and pink, red, purple and white in garden forms.

Cornflower Babylonian (C. babilonica) originated from the Middle East region. Biennial view; in the summer, yellow basket inflorescences bloom.

Whitewashed cornflower (C. dealbata) comes from Asia Minor. It is a perennial species with purple-pink baskets on branched stems. Variety 'John Coates' is characterized by bright pink baskets with a pale yellow or light center.

Large-headed cornflower (C. macrocephala) is a perennial native to Armenia, up to 1.2 m high, with numerous (up to 40) peduncles, on which long-lasting yellow baskets with a diameter of 10 cm grow.

Cornflower mountain (C. montana) is a widespread perennial species with purple-blue flowers. It is especially common in the mountains and foothills of Europe.

Musk cornflower (C. moschata) is a densely branching bush, annual. Leaves are light green dissected along the edge. All flowers in the inflorescence are tubular, with a special aroma reminiscent of the smell of cinnamon. They are painted in white, lilac, reddish purple and purple hues and bloom all summer.

Cultivation

Cornflowers are grown both in the garden and in pots or boxes (on balconies and terraces). It is an unpretentious crop that is very easy to grow. They are planted on flower beds in autumn or early spring. Cornflowers do not tolerate stagnation of water on the surface of the soil, so the soil should be loose, fertile and well-drained.

Location

Cornflowers need a place in the open sun.

Temperature

These resistant plants grow well at all temperatures.

Watering

Water as needed - during dry periods, usually in the early morning. It is not recommended to use too cold water when watering potted specimens. In spring, plants in pots or boxes are watered regularly.

Transplant

Only plants in pots or boxes are transplanted in the spring.

Care

Cornflowers do not require special care: it is enough to remove dried leaves and faded inflorescences.

Reproduction

The seeds of annual species are sown in the ground in September or early spring. Later, the seedlings are thinned out, leaving some distance between them.

Diseases

When damaged by a fungus - the causative agent of downy mildew, red or greenish spots are formed, and white mold develops on the back of the leaves, which darkens, after which the leaves die off. Fight disease with appropriate fungicides. Rapid wilting and death of plants is most often associated with Fusarium disease caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. In this case, it is necessary to loosen and dry the soil or transplant the plant to another place.

Acquisition

The seed companies sell well-prepared seeds. In nurseries and flower shops, you can often find seedlings in pots or boxes. Check the leaves on both sides for signs of disease. The best time to buy and plant seedlings immediately is spring.