Cornflowers bring true-blue, edible blooms and a wildflower charm to a raised bed — and their nectar is a favourite of bees and beneficial insects. Easy, hardy and self-seeding, they earn their place.
Quick facts
- Position: full sun
- Spacing: 20–25 cm apart
- Tub depth: our 23 cm depth
- Time to harvest: 10–12 weeks to flower
When to plant: Cornflowers love the cool — sow directly in autumn and spring. They self-seed and come back readily. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.
Growing it in a raised bed: Sow seed straight into the mix in full sun. Stake taller varieties in windy spots, and deadhead to prolong flowering.
How to use it: The vivid blue petals are edible and make a striking garnish or confetti. In the garden, cornflowers are a top nectar source for bees and beneficial insects.
Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids, though flowers are seldom much bothered. See our safe pest guide.
Common problems: the main one to watch is powdery mildew, usually in damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow prevents most.
Where to plant it: Scatter them through the beds and borders as a pollinator draw; they mix beautifully with calendula and cosmos. See our companion planting guide.
More growing guides: calendula, cosmos and dianthus.
Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.
Image: Dennis Lamczak, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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