shopping Cornflower - one variety
Cornflower image
[ 1153 ]Centaurea cyanus

Cornflower Petals Whole

1/4 Pound:  $22.99 Pound:  $49.97 
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Wholesale Cornflower

Centaurea cyanus
plant overview
bright blue cornflower for color

Cornflower, also commonly called Bachelor's Button, is a member of the aster family named after Chiron, the centaur of Greek mythology who reputedly shared his extensive knowledge of herbs with mankind. The bright blue flowers of the plant have given rise to several other common names, including blue bottle, blue cap, blue bow and blue centaury. The dried, blue cornflower petals make a striking color contrast in foods, tea blends and potpourri.

Clicking "learn more" next to each variety will take you to individual product pages for details.

01.
A Bit of Botany

a little botanical information on cornflower

description
Cornflower is an annual flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, growing to 16-35 inches tall, with grey-green branched stems. The leaves are lanceolate, 1–4 cm long. The flowers are most commonly an intense blue color, produced in flowerheads (capitula) 1.5–3 cm diameter, with a ring of a few large, spreading ray florets surrounding a central cluster of disc florets. The blue pigment is protocyanin, which in roses is red. It flowers from June until August.

common names & nomenclature
The plant is called cornflower because it naturally occurs near field crops, namely corn. The plant is also known as Bachelor's Button and Boutonniere Flower because young men once wore the flower in the label of their jacket to draw attention to their eligibility status. Its Latin name, Cyanus, comes from mythology for a youthful devotee of the goddess Flora (Cyanus), whose favorite flower it was. The name of the genus is derived from the Centaur, Chiron, who taught humankind the healing virtue of herbs

Also known as:
basket flower, cornflower, bachelor's button, bluebottle, boutonniere flower, hurtsickle, cyani flower

Cornflower, the bright blue flower for color

02.
Where in the World

habitat and range for cornflower

Cornflower is native to Europe and is naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America and Australia.

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing and harvesting cornflower

climate
Cornflower prefers full sun and mature plants can be drought tolerant. Will grow as a weed in and around crops, roadsides, river banks, meadows and more.

soil
Cornflower prefers a well-drained fertile soil, but tolerates dry, low fertility and alkaline soils.

growing
Sow cornflower seeds in March in the greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, transplant the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in May. The seed can also be sown directly in garden beds during April, in areas where the winters are not too cold a direct sowing during September will produce larger and earlier-flowering plants.

harvesting
Harvest the petals anytime during the blooming season. Dry them by hanging the flower stalks upside down or lay flat on screens.

preserving
Store dried cornflower petals in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

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for educational purposes only

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

please be advised:  Before making any changes to your diet you should always consult with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or have existing conditions.

All reviews solely reflect the views and opinions expressed by the reviewer and not that of Monterey Bay Herb Co. We do not verify or endorse any claims made by any reviewer. None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.