Another beauty from the Cornflower family. Black Ball is actually more of a very deep, dark plum colour than black and is absolutely stunning when used as a cut flower. I love it teamed up with the bright orange of calendula for a real eye-catching display, but it's also wonderful in softer arrangements and sits very well amongst pinks, blues, and reds too.
Bees and other pollinators adore cornflowers; grow them, and your garden will be buzzing and humming all summer long. Keep deadheading or cutting bunches of flowers for friends to prolong the flowering season.
Seed Quantity: 400 Seeds
Type: Annual
Genus: Centaurea cyanus
Sow Seeds: Sow in September for larger, stronger plants and/or in late April. Can be sown in modules to transplant later or directly into the soil. Pre-water the soil before sowing. Sow thinly and cover only very lightly. Do not let the soil dry out. Grow in poor, well-drained soil and in full sun, and it is advisable to grow through some netting as they are prone to flopping over in high winds without support.
Plant Out: July–October Keep cutting and deadheading to encourage more blooms
Flowers: June-September
Height & Spread: 60-90cm high x 30cm spread
RHS Plants for Pollinators
The RHS Plants for Pollinators mark is only given to plants that support pollinating insects.
Seeds germinated within a week of sewing. Very pleased with the quality. The shop is lovely to navigate, prices are very reasonable and overall service is 100%.
I am definitely a satisfied customer and have been back and bought more seeds
I have ordered many seeds from this website, the delivery is reasonable and so are the seeds. I get fantastic germination and am no expert. I have tried other seed companies and nothing compares. This is a very safe bet and one that you won’t regret.
Completely a beginner but they have germinated after a couple of days and seedlings seem to be coming along nicely, very healthy and happy little plants … seeds came in addition to sow a long package and all beautifully presented … will be a repeat customer
I’ve made 3 orders with bishy barnabees cottage garden so far (spending between £20-30 each time) and every time the seeds have been dispatched quickly. For a small business getting my order within a week is excellent! Ive had amazing rate of germination on every species of seed I’ve sown. The young plants are all healthy and look likely to become healthy adult plants by summer. I’ve interacted with the owner on social media too and can honestly say she’s lovely!
Last year I grew lots of fantastic corncockle, but this will be the first time I've tried Bianca.
There's always so many amazing seeds/flowers to choose from at Bishybarnabees Cottage Garden. Delivered swiftly and hugely successful germination 🌱🥰🌱
Sowed the Dahlia Seeds last week - (in a suitable Pot on the Kitchen Window Sill - which serves as my greenhouse) the sturdy little Dahlia seeds were through in two days and are looking very healthy and happy! Obviously very fresh seeds in the packet.
The Sanctuary wax melts have a lovely spa fragrance that lasts for ages. Loved them so much I ordered more. I haven't tried the lemon and ginger yet. Excellent quality and service.
Beautifully packaged & illustrated. Will be planted next year and I’m confident they will germinate easily as Bishy Barnabee’s Cottage Garden Seeds are reliable.
Such a lovely company to buy from, from start to finish! Great website with a gorgeous selection of seeds and seed collections. On delivery, my order was beautifully packaged with a pretty dried flower added to my box. The seed packets are so gorgeous and each one has very clear instructions and tips. So glad I’ve discovered this company and will definitely be buying from again!
