Close your eyes and imagine a country cottage garden. It is slightly wild and utterly charming, overflowing with colour, scent, and the peaceful humming sound of busy pollinators. Which flowers come to mind? Possibly roses, perhaps hollyhocks?... and most definitely cornflowers. No cottage garden would be complete without them.
Once a common sight in cornfields across the UK before the use of herbicides, these brilliant, cobalt blue native flowers are now a rare sight but thankfully live on in our gardens. They are a dream to grow. Easy, prolific (producing endless amounts of flowers over several months if you keep on top of the dead-heading), beloved of butterflies and bees, and will happily self-seed.
They also make excellent cut flowers, lasting for 5-7 days in a vase.
Seed Quantity: 400 Seeds
Type: Annual
Genus: Centaurea cyanus
Sow Seeds: Sow in September for larger, stronger plants and/or in March/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: 60-90 cm high x 30 cm spread
RHS Plants for Pollinators.
The RHS Plants for Pollinators mark is only given to plants that support pollinating insects.
Lovely variety of seeds and really great instructions and tips both on the packet and on the website. Sent quickly and great quality seeds- only planted them 6 days ago and so many sprouting already. Thank you again!
T
Tamsin Wilson
A classic easy to grow beauty. Thank you for such an easy and delightful buying process. The photos and information on your site is eye candy
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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.
I’ve just had my delivery for my autumn planting- I have my new seedlings growing for next spring - excited to see it all in bloom. Really good communication & quick delivery
I bought a variety of different seeds. It’s too soon to know which ones will germinate and become beautiful flowers but I am certain that if they don’t grow well it’s pretty my fault!
I love seeds from Bishy because they are so reliable.
So, ask me again next spring and who knows, maybe I will be successful! ♥️
