Blue Diadem Cornflower - Centaurea cyanus seeds

Sow the Bearded Centaury from March to May directly in the garden. Scatter or sow your seeds in rows. Cover the seeds by sprinkling soil or vermiculite on top, lightly press down and water generously with a fine rain.

Seed germination will take 14 to 21 days. As soon as the plants are manageable, thin out the rows and transplant some of them into other flower beds. Space your plants 30 cm (11.8 in) apart.

To obtain plants ready to flower as soon as the first nice days arrive, sow the Bearded Centaury in September-October in a seed tray. Use good quality compost. Scatter or sow your seeds. Cover the seeds by sprinkling soil or vermiculite on top, lightly press down and water generously with a fine rain. Place your seed tray in a well-lit area, without direct sunlight, at a temperature of 18°C to 23°C. Lower the temperature at night to 15°C to create a beneficial alternation for germination.

Seed germination will take 14 to 21 days. As soon as the plants are manageable, transplant them into 7cm (2.8 in) pots. 15 days before their final planting, gradually acclimate them to a temperature of 15°C.

In early May, the temperature in the garden will be warm enough to plant your young plants. Choose a sunny location. Add a good handful of compost to each planting hole. Space your plants 30 cm (11.8 in) apart.

Regularly remove faded flowers to maintain their beauty and promote renewal.

Occasional attacks of powdery mildew can damage the crop. To prevent this, plant in well-drained soil and avoid watering the foliage.