Blue Boy
(Centaurea cyanus)
These classic flowers enjoy a very special place in the hearts of all cottage garden lovers. Their 1½-inch thistle-shaped blossoms are a brilliant electric-blue color that rivets the eye. Colorful and showy in the spring garden, Blue Boy makes a stunning landscape display and equally arresting bouquets to enjoy indoors. These are beautiful old-fashioned flowers to enjoy on their own or to interplant lavishly with other spring flowers.
HARDY ANNUAL
Can handle light frost
TO START OUTDOORS
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 doesn’t freeze, plant in fall for next spring’s bloom. Space seeds 1 to 2 inches apart and cover 1/2 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.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
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.
GROWING NOTES
In mild winter areas the best cornflowers (aka Bachelor Buttons) result from seeds sown in fall to bloom the next spring. In cold winter areas where ground freezes, plant in early spring to get sturdy plants that will flower for many weeks if faded blossoms are removed.
Blue Boy
West Coast Seeds ships anywhere in North America. However, we are not able to ship garlic, potatoes, asparagus crowns, bulbs, onion sets, Mason bee cocoons, or nematodes outside of Canada. We regret, we cannot accept returns or damages for orders outside of Canada. The minimum shipping charge to the US is $6.99.
West Coast Seeds ships anywhere in North America. However, we are not able to ship garlic, potatoes, asparagus crowns, bulbs, onion sets, Mason bee cocoons, or nematodes outside of Canada. We regret, we cannot accept returns or damages for orders outside of Canada. The minimum shipping charge to the US is $6.99.
More details about Blue Boy
Centaurea cyanus. Centaurea are also known as Bachelor’s Buttons. These familiar, charming, brightly-coloured pompoms on fuzzy grey stems, are well loved by humans and attractive to beneficial hover-flies. Blue Boy is at home in borders, with herbs, or in the kitchen garden. Direct sow Blue Boy cornflower seeds at repeated intervals in April to June to extend bloom. Centaurea can also be planted in October on the Coast. Blue Boy has the traditional vivid blue blossoms, tall growing for masses of cut flowers. Centaurea flowers also dry particularly well. Tear fresh flower petals for use in salads, teas, or fancy drinks. Plant height 90cm (36″). It is drought tolerant once established, so good for xeriscaping.
Quick Facts:
- Annual
- Edible flowers
- Tall growing for cut flowers.
- Bright blue on fuzzy grey stems
- Plant height 90cm (36″)
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Blue Boy
All About Blue Boy
Latin
Latin
Centaurea cyanus
Family: Asteraceae
Difficulty
Difficulty
Very easy
Season & Zone
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun
Timing
Timing
Direct sow starting just before last frost, and again every two weeks until end of spring. Centaurea can be direct sown in autumn as well. Starting indoors is not necessary, but can be accomplished by keeping seed trays in the dark at the optimal soil temperature of 15-21°C (60-70°F). Move under bright lights once germination occurs, and transplant out in late spring, after all risk of frost has passed.
Starting
Starting
Just cover the small seeds. Thin or space to 15-30cm (6-12″) apart.
Growing
Growing
We acknowledge that Centaurea cyanus sometimes appears on lists of invasive species. In our experience, for the back yard or balcony gardener, this is not an issue, and the plants are easily controlled. They are short rooted, and can be pulled up with little effort. Unlike some plants, its seeds simply drop locally if allowed to mature, and do not eject, and they do not spread by underground rhizome. We respectfully ask that gardeners who live in threatened or sensitive ecosystems take this into consideration when planting Centaurea, just like any other type of seed.
How to Grow Cornflowers
Step 1: Timing
Direct sow starting just before last frost, and again every two weeks until end of spring. Centaurea can be direct sown in autumn as well. Starting indoors is not necessary, but can be accomplished by keeping seed trays in the dark at the optimal soil temperature of 15-21°C (60-70°F). Move under bright lights once germination occurs, and transplant out in late spring, after all risk of frost has passed.
Step 2: Starting
Just cover the small seeds. Thin or space to 15-30cm (6-12″) apart.
Step 3: Growing
We acknowledge that Centaurea cyanus sometimes appears on lists of invasive species. In our experience, for the back yard or balcony gardener, this is not an issue, and the plants are easily controlled. They are short rooted, and can be pulled up with little effort. Unlike some plants, its seeds simply drop locally if allowed to mature, and do not eject, and they do not spread by underground rhizome. We respectfully ask that gardeners who live in threatened or sensitive ecosystems take this into consideration when planting Centaurea, just like any other type of seed.