Corncockle Seeds

Agrostemma githago is a robust Hardy Annual (H7). As a native British wildflower, it is perfectly adapted to the UK climate, surviving temperatures as low as -20°C. It is a "cool-season" specialist, meaning it establishes its best root systems when the soil is cool in either spring or autumn.

The "Autumn Secret": While many gardeners sow wildflowers in spring, the secret to giant plants with hundreds of flowers is September sowing. Autumn-sown Corncockle plants develop deep, resilient root systems over winter and burst into bloom weeks earlier than spring-sown counterparts, resulting in bushier, taller (up to 90cm), and more floriferous specimens.

The "Weaving" Habit: Unlike bedding plants that form dense mounds, Agrostemma has a slender, wiry framework. In nature, it evolved to grow up through wheat and barley for support. In the cottage garden, it looks best planted in drifts where the stems can interweave and support one another, creating a translucent, dancing display.

Corncockle is one of the easiest plants to raise from seed, providing high reward for minimal effort, but it hates being moved.

How to Sow:
Direct sow outdoors in September for early summer blooms, or in March to May for a continuous mid-to-late summer display. Because of its sensitive taproot, direct sowing into its final position is essential. Scatter the seeds onto finely raked soil and cover with approximately 1cm of soil. Germination is typically rapid, occurring within 7-14 days.

Where to Plant:
They demand full sun and thrive in poor, well-drained soil. They are exceptionally tough and can handle "hungry" ground that other plants might struggle in. Avoid heavily manured soil, as this will lead to excessive leafy growth and weak stems. Space plants 20cm apart to allow them to interweave naturally.

Ongoing Care:
As Corncockle can reach heights of 90cm, we recommend providing light twiggy support early in the season to prevent the plants from flopping. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage a longer blooming period, though leaving a few seed heads at the end of the season will allow the plant to self-seed and return for years to come.

Recreate the lost beauty of a traditional British cornfield by pairing Corncockle with these partners from our available range:

• 🎨 Painted Daisy: The Rainbow Carnival. The exuberant multi-coloured rings of the Painted Daisy create a vibrant carpet of colour beneath the taller magenta trumpets of the Corncockle. This is a high-energy, "jewel-toned" pairing that provides a long-season buffet for bees.
• 💙 Cornflower 'Blue Ball': The Iconic Duo. This is the quintessential British countryside combination. The intense electric blue of the Cornflower and the deep magenta of the Corncockle create a striking, historically authentic cornfield meadow display that is exceptionally beneficial for biodiversity.

Direct sow in autumn for the strongest plants, or in spring for successional waves of magenta blooms through the summer.