Cornflower or bachelor’s button – which it is otherwise known – is an annual flowering plant, native to Europe. In the past, it often grew as a weed in cornfields, given it its name. In folklore, cornflowers were worn by young men in love and if the flower faded too quickly, it was taken as a sign that the man’s love was not returned. Brutal.
This plant would always appear in my grandparents veggie patch in Fremantle, proving its worth as a great companion plant or as a cut flower. Though they were never eaten in their household, with a sweet to almost spicy flavour, cornflower petals work great in salads and desserts.
The cornflower has also been found to attract a parasitic wasp that hosts in the larvae of white cabbage moths. As such it has proven to be a successful organic alternative to using insecticides to help control moth and caterpillar numbers.
All round, a bloody beautiful and useful flower.
PLANTING
Sow directly into your patch when daytime temperatures regularly surpass 18-20 degrees. If still too cold, propagate in seed trays and transplant when conditions have improved.
WATERING
In ground: Water daily for the first 4 weeks and 3-4 times a week in the absence of rainfall thereafter. Watering frequency may need to be elevated during hot weather.
In Pots: Water daily, in the absence of rainfall, for the entirety of its lifecycle. The best practice is to water in the morning, however on extremely warm days a late afternoon water may also be necessary.
MAINTENANCE
Make sure the soil has compost and a slow-release nitrogen-rich fertiliser worked through it prior to planting into the patch.
After one month thin out any seedlings and apply a monthly dose of liquid seaweed fertiliser. Mulch to a depth of 3–5cm using pea straw, lucerne hay or sugar cane mulch.
HARVESTING
Cornflowers are best picked just before they are fully open, when the centre of the flower is still slightly dipped inwards. It’s best to dry the flower heads intact and then separate and store for use.
Regular harvesting of flower heads will encourage further production.
TIP
Plants can grow tall and whimsically, so some staking may be required.
