Corn Cockle - Blush

Corn Cockle 'Blush'
Agrostemma

Corn cockle is the easygoing annual your garden’s been waiting for—think tall, slender stems topped with star-shaped blooms that bring effortless charm. Once a staple in grain fields, it’s now a favorite for adding height and pops of color to summer bouquets and displays. Bonus: it thrives in cooler temps, so it’s perfect for cool climates and early plantings!

These precious seeds were shared with me from a dear friend and seed grower from Nova Scotia (shout out to www.sowlocalseeds.ca) . The flowers start blush and turn white as they age. Intricate details on the inside of the petals add to their beauty. 

Details:
Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 24-36”
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 90-100 days
Plant spacing: 6-9”
Pinch: not necessary
Approx seeds per packet: 50

How to Grow:

Transplant (recommended): sow your seeds indoors in trays around 5-7 weeks prior to transplanting them either in spring or fall. Plant the seeds at a depth of ⅛”. To prevent them from getting disturbed, use bottom watering or a misting method.

When it's 3-4 weeks before the first frost, transplant your seedlings into the ground, or use row covers if you’re transplanting before the last frost.

Use horizontal netting to support your plants, as they can easily topple over.

Germination: 7-14 days at 60-70°F (16-21°C).

Where to plant: 

Plant in Sun in moist and well-drained soil.

Harvesting/Vase Life:

Harvest the flowers when one or two blooms on a stem have opened. Right after picking, submerge the bottom few inches of the stems in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds, or use Quick Dip, then transfer them into cool water. You can expect them to last in a vase for about 5 to 7 days.