How to grow Cornflower Seeds
Cornflowers are charming cottage garden flowers that are easy to grow from seed and loved by pollinators. Their vivid blooms are excellent for borders, meadow-style planting, and cut flower arrangements.
Outdoor Sowing
Sow cornflower seeds outdoors from March to April in full sun and well-drained soil. Sow seeds thinly at a depth of 3mm in drills spaced 30cm apart.
Indoor Sowing
For earlier flowering, sow indoors from August to September at 18–20°C. Cover lightly with compost or vermiculite and do not exclude light during germination.
Germination & Spacing
Germination usually takes around 7–12 days. Keep the soil consistently moist during this period.
Once seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to approximately 15cm apart to allow good airflow and healthy growth.
Growing Conditions
Cornflowers perform best in full sun and light, well-drained soil. They are tolerant of poor soil conditions and require very little maintenance once established.
Water regularly during dry periods, especially while plants are establishing.
Blooming Season
Cornflowers typically bloom from late spring through midsummer. Regular deadheading helps extend the flowering season and encourages continuous blooms.
Deadheading & Self-Seeding
Deadhead spent flowers regularly by cutting stems back to the next set of leaves. This encourages fresh flowers and keeps plants tidy.
If you leave some flower heads in place at the end of the season, cornflowers will often self-seed and return naturally the following year.
Overwintering
Indoor-sown autumn plants should be kept in cool, bright, frost-free conditions over winter before planting outdoors in spring.
Read the most frequently asked questions about cornflower seeds