Habitat:  Wide variety of soil types including poor soils and very alkaline soils.  It thrives in sunny situations.

Description: Native annual of cornfields which was once common but is now becoming rare due to modern agricultural methods.   It is of medium height with striking bright blue flowers from May to September.

Wildlife:  It is a good plant for bees, butterflies and moths.

Uses:  Traditionally it was used as a remedy for tired eyes with cornflower said to work best on blue eyes, whilst Plantago major (great plantain) was used for brown eyes.  In France it is still used as a remedy for tired eyes.  A blue ink and dye was obtained from the petals and the dried petals are still used to add colour to pot pourri.  They are often used in dried-flower arrangements because they retain their colour well.

Other Notes:   In common with other cornfield annuals, cornflowers can be encouraged to return each year by allowing the seed to fall before cutting back the dead plants.  The wildflower thrives in disturbed ground, so re-cultivate the ground the following spring.

Sowing Instructions for Seeds:  Sow seed in situ in early spring. Alternatively, a sowing in situ during autumn will produce larger and earlier-flowering plants.  The seed can also be sown in March in the greenhouse. Prick seedlings out into pots & plant out in May.