Centaurea scabiosa
greater knapweed
- approx 20 seeds
- £2.24 £2.99
- In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
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- Seed Packets (only) £2.99
- Position: full sun
- Soil: well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: July to September
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Thriving in poor dry soils (but tolerant of most provided they have good drainage), greater kanpweed is a native perennial, which makes an excellent addition to wildflower meadows and prairie style planting schemes. The large purple, thistle-like flower heads act as a magnet to pollinating insects and the subsequent seed-heads may attract finches into the garden. A variable but always attractive plant, Centaurea scabiosa self-seeds freely and will practically thrive on neglect.
Cornflowers prefer poorer soils, so do not use fertiliser. Support taller stems if necessary and deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. In autumn cut the faded flower heads down to the ground and compost the dead stems. Seeds sown in autumn and over-wintered in a cold frame will produce plants that will flower earlier in the year than those sown in spring.
Surface-sow seeds in trays filled with good quality compost, and germinate at 50-61°F (10°C-16°C). Pot on when they have put on their first true leaves and harden off before planting out after the frosts have passed. Alternatively, sow directly in late spring or early summer, and thin out to 30cm as they grow.
