General Description/History

The blue cornflower is a popular in gardens in Europe and America, where it has become widely naturalised. There are two cut flower forms: the well known blue (C. cyanus) and the rarer large-flowered yellow species (C. macrocephala). The blue form is popular as a buttonhole as there are very few flowers available in this colour.

Cornflowers are annuals that are commonly grown outside in the field. In Australia they are grown close to the capital cities, particularly in Victoria (Dandenong Ranges and Mornington Peninsula) due to its relatively cool climate with low humidity.

Types: Blue (C. cyanus); Yellow (C. macrocephala).

What to look for

• Half open flowers, as fully open flowers with flecks of pollen will not last as long;
• Check there are no broken stems in bunches;
• Avoid bunches with yellow leaves and black stem ends.

Flower Care

1. Keep cool at all times.
2. Break bunches apart.
3. Strip leaves from the bottom half of each stem and wash stems thoroughly.
4. Recut at least 2 cm off each stem and place in water immediately.
5. Always use a preservative as this will help buds open and keep open flowers looking fresh.
6. Replace vase water with fresh preservative every day as cornflowers are thirsty.
7. Cornflowers are very sensitive to ethylene. Keep them away from fruit, car exhausts and cigarette smoke.

Interesting Facts about this Flower

The Blue Cornflower has been the national flower of Estonia since 1968. It is also the symbol of political parties in Estonia and Sweden.

In the Language of Flowers the blue cornflower means ‘delicacy’ or ‘refinement’.

Botanical Name: Centaurea cyanus (blue)C. macrocephala (yellow)

Common Names: Bachelor

Stem Length: 30 cm to 50 cm

Country of Origin: Europe

Available Colours: Blue

Season: Summer,Winter,Spring

Availability: August,September,October,November,Decemeber