Cornflower - Centaurea cyanus (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Cornflower

Also known as: Garden cornflower, Bluebottle

Centaurea cyanus is known by several names, like cornflower and bachelor’s button. This flower has a beautiful blue color that was a favorite of famed Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. Today it is a Crayola crayon color as well as an HTML color name. The color is defined as a medium to light blue that contains very little green.

Scientific classification

Species

Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Annual, Perennial, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

20 cm to 1 m

Plant Height

15 cm to 30 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

3.5 cm

Flower Size

Cream, Brown, Yellow, White, Tan

Fruit Color

Blue, White, Pink, Red, Purple, Violet

Flower Color

Green, Silver, Blue

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Cornflower

Distribution of Cornflower

Distribution Map

The cornflower plant is native to southern Europe, growing in meadows and other disturbed areas. Has also been widely introduced to many countries outside the native range. It is cultivated as a garden plant in the United States where it is also considered an invasive weed in agricultural fields.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Porous, nutrient-rich soils

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) is a sun-loving garden favorite that produces showy blue flowers that look particularly attractive in combination with red poppies. This plant looks great in beds and borders, cottage gardens, and containers. Another asset of cornflower is that it attracts birds and butterflies.

Symbolism

Being Single, Hope in love, Refinement

Interesting Facts

Cornflower is the national flower of Estonia and serves as a symbol for certain political parties in Estonia, Finland, and Sweden. It was also a favorite of many royalty figures across Europe, so it is found in plenty of historical regalia.

Name Story

Bachelor button: The bachelor button is actually a flower that has a story behind it. This flower is generally worn when they have feelings for a certain person that they are trying to date. They would wear the flower and the longer that the flower lasted, the greater the presence of true love between the. If the flower wilts and dies, it isn’t meant to be.

Cornflower: In the past, it was often grown as a grass weed in cornfields where the field covers the plantation of wheat, barley, rye or oats. Hence, it gets the name, cornflower.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Cornflower, including the following common varieties :

Cornflower 'Black Ball'

Weed Control

Native to parts of Asia and Europe, Centaurea cyanus has taken over the continental United States after escaping past its ornamental cultivation sites. Alaska, Georgia, West Virginia, and some parts of Maryland consider it to be an invasive species. Recognized by its delicate blue or white flowers, cornflower is typically viewed as ornamental by average households. On the other hand, farmers of cereals, corn, and rapeseed would find the cornflower to be a noxious weed to their crops due to the high competition for nutrients. Its resistance against herbicides has made it difficult to remove from farmlands.

How to Control It

To effectively manage and prevent cornflower from becoming a weed, it is best to address the plant before it reaches the seeding stage, typically in late spring to early summer.

Hand-pulling: Carefully pull the cornflower from the soil, ensuring removal of the entire root system to prevent regrowth.
Mulching: Lay a thick layer of organic mulch around desirable plants to suppress cornflower seed germination and growth.
Mowing: Regularly trim the area where cornflower is present to prevent the plants from flowering and producing seeds.
Cultivation control: Limit the spread of cornflower by designating growing areas and diligently removing any plants that escape the bounds.
Companion planting: Grow competitive plants that can outcompete cornflower for resources, which helps to naturally restrict its growth.

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Quickly Identify Cornflower

Vivid blue flowers atop slender stems up to 2-3 feet tall (60-90 cm).

Thistle-like appearance with ragged, tubular petals distinguish the flowers of cornflower.

Dry achene fruit with distinctive tuft of bristles aids in wind dispersal.

Leaves 1-4 inches long (2.5-10 cm) with sparse to moderate long hairs.

Moderately thick stems with woolly hairs, prone to flopping without support.

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Care Guide for Cornflower

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Cornflower thrives in European fields, preferring moderate moisture and consistent soil hydration without waterlogging. Weekly watering maintains balance, while natural rainfall outdoors supports its growth cycle.

Fertilize: Cornflower flourishes with phosphorus-rich fertilizers for strong roots and blooms. Use a balanced, slow-release formula (5-10-10) in early spring and pre-flowering, with lighter applications in fall. Water soil before and after fertilization to avoid root burn and ensure nutrient uptake.

Pruning: Cornflower features vibrant blue flowers and feathery foliage, thriving with annual pruning in early spring. Deadheading spent blooms extends flowering, while cutting back stems promotes bushy growth. Pruning prevents legginess and supports plant health; use clean, sharp tools to minimize damage and disease risk.

Propagation: Cornflower can be easily propagated through division during dormancy. Divide the rootball into sections with sufficient roots, replant them quickly, and maintain consistent soil moisture and light shade until establishment.

Repotting: Cornflower requires excellent drainage in pots to thrive, ensuring proper water management and preventing root rot.

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