How to grow Cornflower
Updated October 2026
Cornflower, or bachelor's button, is a hardy, low maintenance cool season annual with ruffled flowers in true blue, pink, purple and white. It is a long lasting cut flower, the petals are edible, and bees, butterflies and seed eating birds all use it. It grows in poor soil with little water and reseeds itself readily.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Cornflower
Where to plant
Cornflowers do best in cool weather, in full sun to light shade and well drained soil. NC State notes they tolerate poor soils with no fertilizer and low water, though they prefer moderate moisture. Too much shade, or rich soil, gives tall, floppy stems.
Where winters are mild, in Florida, the Gulf South, Texas, the desert and Southern California, sow directly in fall and early winter for spring flowers. In the Mid-South and Mid-Atlantic, sow in fall or late winter. In colder regions, start seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, or sow directly in early spring, and again in midsummer for late flowers.
Choosing a variety
Blue Boy is the classic true blue bachelor's button. Mixed colors include pink, purple, white, and dwarf types suit edging and pots.
How to plant
- Sow seed directly about a quarter inch (6 mm) deep in fall in mild areas or early spring in cold ones, or start seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost.
- Keep the soil moist until seedlings appear.
- Thin to about 8 inches (20 cm) apart.
- Plant tall varieties among other plants or give them light support, as they can flop.
Watering and feeding
Water seedlings until they are growing strongly, then only in dry spells. Cornflowers tolerate dry conditions but flower longer with moderate moisture.
No fertilizer is needed; rich soil gives weak, floppy growth.
Pruning and care through the year
- Deadhead spent flowers to keep plants blooming and to control self seeding.
- If you want to feed seed eating birds, leave some seed heads late in the season.
- Cornflowers reseed and naturalize easily, so grow them where volunteers are welcome or deadhead consistently.
Cutting flowers
Cut stems when the flowers are just opening for long lasting bouquets.
The petals are edible and make a bright garnish for salads and cakes.
Growing in pots
Dwarf cornflowers grow well in a pot at least 8 inches (20 cm) wide in full sun. NC State suggests containers as a way to control the self seeding.
Companion planting
Cornflowers suit meadow style plantings and the edges of vegetable gardens, where their flowers feed pollinators.
Good companions
- Wildflowers Grows naturally among other cool season annual wildflowers in a meadow mix.
- Grains Traditionally a cornfield flower, it fits beside grain plantings.
Pests and diseases
NC State reports no serious insect or disease problems.
Pests to watch for
Diseases to watch for
- Powdery mildew White powdery coating on leaves in late spring and summer.
- Rust Small orange brown pustules on leaves.
Common questions
When should I plant cornflowers?
In fall where winters are mild, for spring flowers. In colder regions, start seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost or sow directly in early spring.
Are cornflowers edible?
Yes. The petals are edible and are used as a colorful garnish.
Do cornflowers come back every year?
They are annuals, but they reseed and naturalize so easily that new plants usually appear each year.
Why are my cornflowers falling over?
Too much shade or overly rich soil gives tall, weak stems. Grow them in full sun in lean soil, and let tall types lean on neighboring plants or give light support.
Are cornflowers good for wildlife?
Yes. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers, and birds eat the seeds if some heads are left on the plants.
Sources we checked: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Centaurea cyanus.
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