plant

Cornflower

Centaurea cyanus

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) — a plant, for Full sun, Medium water. Companions: Wheat.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Watermoderate

↑ Gives back

Nectarabundant
Pollenabundant
Mulch_biomassmedium

Companions

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceSeeds germinate and seedlings emerge after the last spring frost and when soil temperatures consistently reach 5°C.
floweringFlowering typically begins about 60 days after emergence and can continue for several months with deadheading.
fruitingSeed set and fruit development occur approximately 30 days after flowering begins.
senescencePlants begin to senesce and die back with the first autumn frost.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatespotassium, calcium
Soil textureloam, sandy_loam, clay_loam
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceMedium

Propagation

Methodsseed
Difficulty1 / 5
Establishes in~0 yr
Self-seedingModerate

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, butterflies, hoverflies, beneficial insects
Can host diseasespowdery mildew, rust