Cornflowers are easy to grow and well-suited to Australian climates. With a little bit of care Cornflowers can look great in just about any garden. Here’s everything you need to know to grow thriving cornflowers in Australia.
1. Choosing the Right Cornflower Varieties for Australia
There is a few types of Cornflowers including annual and perennial varieties. Here are some of the most popular types:
- Classic Blue Cornflowers: Known for their traditional blue petals, these are great for adding a pop of colour to any outdoor area.
- Pink and White Cornflowers: These pastel-toned variants can soften your garden’s colour and blend well with other flowers.
- Dwarf Cornflowers: These compact plants grow up to 20 cm tall and are perfect for containers, window boxes, or smaller garden borders.
In Australia’s climate, most gardeners plant annual cornflowers in autumn, as they thrive in the cooler months and will flower through late spring into early summer.
2. Finding the Perfect Location
Cornflowers thrive with plenty of sun and well-draining soil, making location an important consideration:
- Sunlight: Plant Cornflowers in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Cornflowers love sun and will grow more robust and bloom more prolifically in sunny locations.
- Soil: Cornflowers grow best in well-draining soil. They tolerate a range of soil types, they don’t do well in heavy clay soils, which can retain too much water and cause root rot. If your soil is clay-heavy, amend it with compost or sand to improve drainage.
3. Planting Cornflowers: Seeds or Seedlings?
Cornflowers can be grown from either seeds or seedlings, depending on your preference and the timing of your planting:
- Seeds: Cornflower seeds can be directly sown into the ground in autumn in most Australian regions. Make shallow furrows, plant seeds about 1 cm deep, and space them around 15-20 cm apart. Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
- Seedlings: If you prefer to start with seedlings, plant them with a similar spacing and water them in well. Seedlings are a good option if you want to give your plants a head start, as they’ll bloom sooner than seeds.
4. Watering Cornflowers: Getting the Balance Right
Cornflowers are relatively drought-tolerant, making them perfect for Australian gardens, especially in regions that experience dry spells:
- Regular Watering: While cornflowers are drought-tolerant, they perform best with moderate, consistent watering. Water them deeply once a week, increasing frequency during very hot or dry conditions.
- Overwatering Caution: Avoid overwatering, as cornflowers are susceptible to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, particularly if you’re growing them in containers, which can hold moisture longer than garden beds.
5. Fertilising Cornflowers for Optimal Growth
Cornflowers are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to fertilising.
- Soil Enrichment: Before planting, mix compost into the soil to improve nutrient content and promote strong growth.
- Light Fertiliser: If you want to give your cornflowers a boost, apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser at planting time or during the growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, as these can promote leafy growth at the expense of blooms.
6. Pruning and Deadheading Cornflowers
Cornflowers benefit from regular deadheading, which encourages more blooms and keeps the plants looking tidy:
- Deadheading: As flowers begin to fade, pinch or cut them off just above the nearest leaf set. This not only encourages new flower growth but also extends the blooming period.
- Pruning: After the main blooming season, you can trim the plants back to encourage fresh growth and a second flush of blooms in some regions. Cut back the plants by about one-third for best results.
7. Common Pests and Diseases
Cornflowers are generally pest-resistant, but some issues may arise, especially in humid or wet conditions:
- Aphids: These tiny insects can occasionally appear on cornflowers. If you spot them, wash them off with water or use an insecticidal soap to treat the infestation.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on leaves and is more common in humid weather. To prevent powdery mildew, plant cornflowers with adequate spacing for air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
- Snails and Slugs: In some areas, particularly after rain, slugs and snails may target young cornflower plants. Use organic slug and snail barriers, such as crushed eggshells or coffee grounds, to deter them.
8. Companion Planting
Cornflowers make excellent companion plants, particularly in Australian cottage gardens. Here are some ideal pairing options:
Companions: Cornflowers grow well alongside other wildflowers like poppies, daisies, and cosmos. They also make good companions for vegetables, as they attract pollinators.
9. Harvesting Cornflowers for Bouquets
Cornflowers are a favourite in floral arrangements due to their vibrant colours and rustic charm:
- Timing: Harvest cornflowers early in the morning for the longest vase life.
- Cutting Technique: Use sharp scissors to cut the stems at a slight angle, and immediately place them in water.
- Conditioning: For maximum freshness, leave the stems in water for a few hours before arranging. Cornflowers will last up to a week in a vase with fresh water and a clean container.
10. Cornflowers and Climate Across Australia
Australia’s diverse climate zones mean that cornflowers may behave differently depending on your region:
- Temperate and Cool Regions: In southern Australia and coastal areas, cornflowers do well when planted in autumn for spring flowering.
- Warmer Regions: In subtropical and tropical areas, sowing seeds in winter will give you the best results, as the flowers are less heat-tolerant and can struggle in extreme temperatures.
- Frost Sensitivity: While mature cornflowers can handle light frosts, young seedlings are frost-sensitive. If frost is expected, protect young plants with a light cover.
Growing cornflowers in Australia is rewarding, especially when you see their iconic blue flowers brightening up your garden. With minimal effort in terms of soil preparation, watering, and pruning, cornflowers are a low-maintenance choice that offers a high-impact.
