Centaurea cyanus

Often seen growing as a weed in fields and along roads and railroads, Cornflower is a hardy, low maintenance cool season annual with striking blue flowers in the Asteraceae (aster) family.  Genus came from the popular name of various plants in the late 14th century, from Medieval Latin centaurea, from Latin centaureum, from Greek kentaureion, from kentauros "centaur", so called because the plant's medicinal properties were discovered by Chiron the centaur.  Specific epithet means blue for flower color.  Plants reseed and naturalize easily so dead-heading is necessary to control the seeds.  However, if the goal is to bring birds and butterflies into the garden, limit the dead-heading. It is an attractive and long-lasting cut flower.  Because it does better in cooler climates, seeds should be started indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or in mild winter climates can be seeded in situ directly outdoors in the fall.  

Cornflower is very adaptable and will tolerate poor soils and no fertilization.  It tolerates low water conditions but prefers medium moisture, well-drained soils.  Cornflower prefers full sun to light shade but the stems will flop with too much shade.  Taller plants may need staking or need to be planted with other plants that will hold them up. 

A blue cornflower was featured by Corning Glass Works in their initial oven-to-table ware line. It became the trademark of Corning consumer products for three decades.

Place the plant in a container to better control the seeds or a naturalized area where the plant will reseed itself.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: They have no serious insect or disease problems to note. Wilt, rots and rusts are possible. Also watch for aphids and mealybugs.