Cornflower Velvet Dawn 8211 Renee8217s Garden

Centaurea cyanus Heirloom Cornflowers EXCLUSIVE A classic cottage garden favorite in an enchanting shade of rich, deep purple. Velvet Dawns 1 1/2-inch dark, thistle-shaped flowers stand out against densely branching, blue-green foliage. They always attract and feed happy bees and butterflies. These are lovely, carefree, easy-to-grow, weather-tolerant flowers that will bloom vigorously and gladden your heart throughout spring and early summer. Cornflowers, also known as Bachelor Buttons, were traditionally used as lapel corsages! Seed Count: Approx. 250-255 / Weight: 1 gm Cold Winters Mild Winters Sun/Shade Sow Seeds Days to Germinate Mature Height March – May October – April Full sun 1 – 2 inches apart1/2 inch deep 7 – 10 days 3 – 3 1/2 feet HARDYANNUAL Spring/summer bloomCan handle light frost TOSTARTOUTDOORS Sow seeds in a finely textured garden bed in full sun as soon as soil can be worked. In mild winter areas, where the ground doesnt freeze, plant in fall for next springs bloom. Space seeds 1 to 2 inches apart and cover inch deep. Keep seed bed moist until seedlings emerge in 7 to 10 days. Weed and water carefully. Thin seedlings to 6 to 8 inches apart. TOSTARTEARLYINDOORS Sow seeds 1 to 2 inches apart in a container of seed starting mix, 2 or 3 weeks before last expected frost. Cover 1/2 inch deep, keep moist and provide a good light source until seedlings are transplanted outside. Plant 6 to 8 inches apart into fertile garden soil in full sun when plants are 3 to 4 inches tall. Seedlings grow quickly; plant out before the roots get crowded. GROWINGNOTES In mild winter areasthe best Cornflowers (aka Bachelor Buttons) result from seeds sown in fall to bloom the next spring.In cold winter areaswhere ground freezes, plant in early spring to get sturdy plants that will flower for many weeks if faded blossoms are removed.