Are you wondering what to do with cornflowers once the petals have all faded away? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place. After flowering, cornflowers aren’t ready to be thrown away just yet – in fact, there are plenty of ways you can still enjoy them!
From harvesting seeds to letting them self-seed or pulling them up, we look at your options for dealing with those gorgeous blooms when the time comes. So if you want to make the most out of your cornflower display, read on and find out how!
Cornflowers After Flowering?
Cornflowers are popular perennials known for their blue and purple flowers. They’re hardy and grow well in poor soil. After blooming, deadheading can encourage more growth, especially for annual cornflowers. Deadheading is easy and involves pinching off the spent flowers.
Perennial cornflowers may not need deadheading but can benefit from it if the plant becomes crowded or if the flower heads are damaging the plant. Healthy foliage promotes strong roots, and any infections or insect damage should be treated promptly.
Proper soil preparation is crucial, and cornflowers need adequate water in the summer. Seeds can be harvested from dried flower heads for propagation, but hybrid varieties may not produce viable seeds.
Harvesting Seed
Cornflowers produce many seeds, which can be harvested for future use. Wait until the flower heads turn brown, about six-eight weeks after blooming. Cut the heads, avoiding damage, and let them dry in a paper bag or tray. Store in a cool, dry place until ready for planting.
Hybrid varieties may not yield viable seeds, so buy from a reputable supplier. Rotate planting locations each year. Cornflower seeds are popular among gardeners and florists for their bright colors and versatility. Harvest and replant for years of beauty.
Let Them Self Seed
Perennial cornflowers are easy to grow and care for. They produce seeds that can be used to grow new plants. To let them self-seed, leave the flowers on the plant until the seeds turn brown. Then let the seeds drop naturally onto the ground.
Alternatively, collect the seeds and sow them in early spring. Cornflowers need well-drained soil and adequate sunlight and water. They can tolerate infertile soils and a range of conditions. Keep an eye out for damage or infections and control pests or diseases. With regular care, cornflowers will thrive and provide a beautiful display of purple flowers.
Pull Them Up
There are times when it’s best just pull up cornflowers after they finish blooming. Pulling them up can prevent them from spreading too much. Pulling up affected plants can prevent the spread of damage from pests or infections.
Pulling up cornflowers that have stopped producing new blooms can make room for other plants. It can also help create space for new planting plans. When pulling up cornflowers, remove any dead foliage and roots. The pulled up plants and foliage can be composted for nutrients. Pulling up cornflowers can be practical and beneficial for maintaining garden health.
Perennial Cornflowers In Winter
Perennial cornflowers are lovely in gardens with blue, pink, and purple flowers. To ensure their survival and health for the next blooming season, cut back their foliage in late fall, a few inches above the ground. This helps conserve energy and prevent damage from snow or icicles.
Adding a layer of mulch can protect roots. Plant them in well-drained soil with organic matter for soil structure and nutrient availability. Ensure soil temperature is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit before planting. Proper care during winter is crucial for their longevity and health. Adding perennial cornflowers to your landscape can beautify your winter garden.
Common problems with Cornflowers
Cornflowers are hardy and beautiful plants that can grow in different soil conditions. However, they can be vulnerable to various diseases that can harm their growth and flowering. Here are some common issues and their solutions: Cornflower rust can cause rust-colored leaves and stems, and it can spread to flowers.
To control it, remove infected plants promptly, enhance air circulation, and use fungicides. Leaf miners can cause brown or silvery trails in leaves, but they typically don’t harm the plant. Regular deadheading and leaf removal can help. Bacterial and viral infections can also damage cornflowers, so remove infected plants and use insecticides or fungicides if needed.
Cornflowers grow best in well-draining soil with enough nutrients, so amend infertile or compacted soil with organic matter. Dead foliage is natural, but remove it promptly to prevent disease buildup and encourage more flowering. Watch your control for cornflowers closely and address any problems promptly to keep them thriving.
Conclusion
Cornflowers are beautiful and versatile plants that can thrive in many soil and weather conditions. Proper care and maintenance can prevent disease and pests and encourage continuous flowering.
Deadheading and removing dead foliage can help. Plant in well-drained soil and provide nutrients and water for stunning blooms. Blue boy and mountain cornflower are popular choices. With patience and attention, enjoy their beauty for years.
