Cornflower 'Dwarf Blue Midget' Centaurea cyanus 'Dwarf Blue Midget'
ABOUT
'Dwarf Blue Midget' isan upright annualto 30cmwith narrow leaves and rich blue flowers produced in late spring and summer
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Cornflower, Bachelor's Button, Bluebottle, Boutonniere Flower, Hurtsickle, Cyani Flower.
Common names
Centaurea cyanus.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant blue flowers are known to attract bees and butterflies, which help with pollination of gardens and the ecosystem.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a striking blue hue to garden landscapes, providing a splash of color that can complement many garden designs.
- Edible Flowers: The petals of Cornflower can be used in salads or as garnishes, offering a mildly sweet to spicy flavor and a decorative touch to dishes.
- Easy to Grow: Cornflower is known for being hardy and easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance, which is great for beginner gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Cornflower has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping or gardens in drier climates.
- Beneficial for Wildlife: Provides nectar for pollinators and can also offer a habitat for beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Cut Flowers: Cornflower makes for excellent cut flowers that can be used in floral arrangements with their bright colors and long vase life.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Cornflower contains compounds that may help to reduce inflammation.
- Astringent: Traditionally used for its astringent properties which can help in tightening the tissues and reducing secretions.
- Diuretic: Cornflower has mild diuretic effects that can promote increased urine production.
- Soothing eye wash: Cornflower water has been used traditionally to soothe and relieve tired or irritated eyes.
- Mild laxative: Some traditional uses include mild laxative effects for constipation.
- Cooling effect: Applied topically, it has a cooling and calming effect on the skin, which can help with minor irritations or sunburn.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting Eco-Friendly Dyes: The blossoms of the Cornflower can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, providing a range of hues from delicate blues to purples depending on the mordant used.
- Edible Decorations: Petals of the Cornflower are edible and can be used to add a splash of color to salads, desserts, or as an elegant garnish on various dishes.
- Floral Water: Cornflower petals can be steeped in water to produce a lightly scented floral water for use in homemade cosmetics or as a refreshing facial mist.
- Companion Planting: Cornflowers can be planted alongside vegetable crops, as their bright colors are known to attract pollinators, beneficial for improving the yield of vegetables.
- Natural Fabric Softener: When used in a laundry rinse, the petals may impart a subtle fragrance to the fabrics, offering a chemical-free alternative to conventional fabric softeners.
- Photography Prop: The vibrant blue blooms of the Cornflower can be utilized as an appealing backdrop or accent in photography, particularly for outdoor and nature-themed shoots.
- Flower Art: Pressed Cornflower petals can be used in botanical art, for making bookmarks, or decorating homemade cards and scrapbooks.
- Confetti: Dried petals serve as an eco-friendly confetti for celebrations like weddings, providing a biodegradable option that adds a burst of natural color.
- Bookmark Tassels: Cornflower stems, when dried, can be used to create unique and decorative tassels for bookmarks.
- Plant Dye for Wooden Toys: A dye made from Cornflower can be used to safely color wooden toys, offering a non-toxic alternative to synthetic paints.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cornflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cornflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Devotion and Loyalty: The plant commonly known as "Bachelor's button" symbolizes devotion and loyalty, reflecting the bond and commitment between people.
- Hope in love: Given its association with single men (bachelors), the Bachelor's button represents hope in love and the anticipation of being united with a loved one.
- Felicity and Delicateness: The delicate nature of Bachelor's button's blooms is often linked to feelings of happiness and the delicate balance of joy in one's life.
- Rememberance: Bachelor's button is also associated with the theme of remembrance, making it a common choice in memory of a lost loved one or friend.
- Protection: In folklore, Bachelor's button was thought to ward off evil spirits and provide protection, likely due to its vibrant blue color which was considered powerful.
WaterBachelor's Buttons should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to encourage deep root growth. During the growing season, aim to water approximately once a week, offering about 1-2 gallons per plant depending on the weather and soil type. Overhead watering is not recommended as it can promote fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry. Adjust the amount of water during hot, dry periods or if the plant is in a container which may require more frequent watering.
LightBachelor's Buttons thrive in full sun, enjoying at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The best spot for planting is in an area that receives unfiltered sunlight for most of the day. They can tolerate some light shade, especially in hot climates, but too much shade can lead to leggy plants and fewer blooms.
TemperatureBachelor's Buttons prefer moderate temperatures and can survive in a temperature range of 40 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They are hardy in cooler conditions and can tolerate a light frost. The ideal temperature for optimal growth and flowering is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningBachelor's Buttons should be pruned to deadhead spent blooms, maintain plant shape, and encourage further flowering. Removing dead flowers regularly will prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production and instead promote new blooms. The best time to prune for shaping is in early spring before the growing season begins. Pruning can be done every few weeks during the bloom period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCornflower 'Dwarf Blue Midget' thrives in well-draining soil mixed with compost and peat for moisture retention. The best pH range is slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.1 and 7.5.
RepottingCornflower 'Dwarf Blue Midget' typically does not require frequent repotting. Repot every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingCornflower 'Dwarf Blue Midget' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and doesn't require specific humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleCornflower 'Dwarf Blue Midget' begins its life cycle when its seeds are sown into well-drained soil, usually in the spring after the last frost. Germination occurs within 1-2 weeks in temperatures between 60-70°F, resulting in the emergence of seedlings. The plants then enter a vegetative growth stage where they develop a rosette of leaves and grow to about 8-12 inches tall. Following the vegetative stage, the cornflowers start to bud and then bloom, revealing their characteristic blue flowers, which typically occurs from June to August. After the flowering stage, the plants set seeds, and the blooms fade. The cycle concludes as the plant senesces and dies, often after the first heavy frost, with seeds either collected for next season or left to self-sow for the following year's growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Centaurea cyanus 'Dwarf Blue Midget', commonly known as Bachelor's Button, is by seed. The best time to sow Bachelor's Button seeds is in early spring, directly into the ground once the threat of frost has passed. The seeds need light to germinate, so they should be sown on the surface of the soil or covered with a very thin layer of soil no more than 1/8 inch (about 3 millimeters) deep. They typically germinate within 7 to 14 days when kept at a temperature between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit (15-21 degrees Celsius). Thin the seedlings to about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) apart once they have grown large enough to handle. This spacing allows the plants to have enough room to mature and develop fully.
