How to grow cornflowers in a raised bed

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 should I plant cornflowers?

Cornflowers love the cool — sow directly in autumn and spring. They self-seed and come back readily. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): March to June
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): March to May and September to October
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): April and September to November
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): April to May
• Arid inland: March to June

How do I grow cornflowers 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 do I 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.

What pests attack cornflowers?

Keep an eye out for aphids, though flowers are seldom much bothered. See our safe pest guide.

What are the common problems with cornflowers?

The main one to watch is powdery mildew, usually in damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow prevents most.

Where should I 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 garden 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.