Cornflower ‘Black Ball’ (Centaurea cyanus)

Rich deep purple-maroon flowers are carried on long stems making this old fashioned cottage garden strain an excellent cut flower. Sow seeds from mid-autumn until early spring.   When to sow: mid-autumn until early spring.Where to sow: Direct sowDepth to sow: 3 to 5mmAspect:  Full sun or as sunny a spot as possible.Soil:  Prepared, well drained, fertilised soil.Spacing: Between plants: 30 to 40cm; Between rows 60cm    Directions:  An easily grown annual best planted by thinly sprinkling the seed in the open garden during late summer and autumn or plant a drill and thin seedlings to 30cm apart.