The annual species cyanus will grow to around 300mm (12") high with a similar spread.
Centaurea is an easy to grow daisy like flower.Its soft to touch grey leaves, and blue, pink, red or white flowers make a useful addition to any cut flower arrangements.
Grow centaurea in any fertile, well-drained garden soil, in a sunny position.
The perennial montana or mountain cornflower as it is sometimes known, will grow to around 500-600mm (18"-24") high and spread to around 300-400mm(12"-15")
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This species originates from the meadows and woodland in the mountainous areas of Europe.
The form grown in most gardens in the UK has greyish, lance-shaped leaves and large, deep blue or blue-violet flowers, up to 75mm (3") across which appear in early summer.
It does best in a moisture retentive soil and is equally at home in sun or partial shade.
Dead-heading is recommended for both species to prolong the flowering period.
Cultivation;
Week 14; Sow centaura seeds in pots or trays of seed compost and germinate 18°C (64°F)
Germination should take around four to five days.
Week 16; When seedlings are large enough to handle prick out into pots/tray or boxes of potting compost and grow on in a cold frame until planting out time.
Week 21; Plant out cyanus 300 (12") apart.
Week 40; Plant out montana 300 (12") apart.
Established plants of montana can be divided and planted out at this time.Alternatively leave this task till the following spring when soil conditions allow.
