Cornflower 'Tall, Blue Boy'

Centaurea cyanus

• Produces masses of bright blue blooms over many weeks
• One of the earliest flowers of spring
• Outstanding cut flower with long stems
• Cold hardy and easy to grow
• Edible flowers
• Highly attractive to bees and other pollinators
• Drought tolerant once established

One of the first flowers to bloom each spring, 'Tall Blue Boy' is a classic cornflower that has been brightening gardens for generations. Easy to grow and exceptionally rewarding, it produces masses of deep, vibrant blue blooms on strong upright stems, making it an outstanding choice for both the cutting garden and flower borders.

This cold-hardy annual thrives in cool weather and flowers generously for weeks from a single sowing. The abundant double and semi-double blooms, 2.5–4 cm across, are long-lasting in the vase and attract bees and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.

Native to Europe, cornflowers perform best in full sun and well-drained soil, and once established they are surprisingly drought tolerant. They require little attention, making them an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

The vivid blue petals are edible, with a mild, slightly floral flavour, and are perfect for adding colour to salads, desserts and summer drinks.

Whether you're creating a cottage garden, growing flowers to cut, or simply looking for an easy annual that never disappoints, 'Tall Blue Boy' is a beautiful and dependable favourite.

Certified Organic

SEED COUNT: 100 approx.
Germination: Lot#33M044 89% APR 2026

Seed Raising, Growing and Harvest Information

DIRECT SEED (recommended) — Where winters are mild, cornflowers can be sown in autumn. The plants can handle mild frost. Autumn or early spring/late winter sown cornflowers will have superior stem length and quality. Sow seeds thinly in rows, 6 seeds per 30cm, 6mm deep. Cover lightly. Keep soil surface moist until emergence. When seedlings have first true leaves, thin to 15-20cm apart.

TRANSPLANT — As plants are sensitive to root disturbance, sow into soil blocks. Sow seeds 2 per block, 6mm deep. Cover lightly. Can be tricky to start indoors - chill seed (in fridge) for 10-14 days to assist. Plan to transplant within 3-4 weeks – before roots the edge of the blocks. Grow at 10-12°C during the night for several weeks to develop a root ball.

HARVEST/VASE LIFE- Harvest flowers when 1/4-1/2 open. If picking entire sprays, cut when half the flowers on a spray are open. Expect a vase life of 7 days.