How to sow and propagate cornflower? Detailed operation method introduction

Cornflower is an excellent cut flower material, and is also often used in flower beds and flower borders, and gardening enthusiasts can also grow it in pots at home. Symbolizing happiness, cornflower is a flower variety that many gardening enthusiasts like very much. Since cornflower does not live long, it is generally propagated mainly by sowing.

Cornflower

I. Sowing propagation:

It does not tolerate transplanting, so it should be planted with a soil ball. Apply base fertilizer before planting. Water moderately during the growing period to prevent root rot; applying a liquid fertilizer once a month can promote growth. Its stems are slender and weak, so pinch off the growing tips during the seedling stage to encourage more side branches and dwarf the plant.

Cultivation points:

Sowing can be done in both spring and autumn, with autumn sowing being better. Sow in mid-to-late September in a prepared seedbed, cover with soil just enough that the seeds are no longer visible, press lightly, cover with grass, water thoroughly, and keep the soil moist regularly; remove the grass cover after germination. When the seedlings have 6-7 small leaves, they can be transplanted or planted out, with a spacing of about 30 cm. After the plants are established, apply diluted decomposed human manure liquid at a ratio of 5 parts water once every 10 days or half a month, and stop fertilizing in March of the following year to wait for flowering. If grown in pots, the potting soil should be loose and fertile; it is best to use a mixed soil of garden soil, leaf mold, and plant ash. When the seedlings have 6-7 leaves, carry out the first transplanting; as they grow further, change them into a three-tube pot, because cornflower has a taproot system and large seedlings do not tolerate transplanting. In winter, it can be continuously buried in soil to overwinter, then taken out in early March; fertilize frequently, and stop fertilizing when flower buds appear. Suitable germination temperature: 15-20°C. Sowing period: spring-autumn. Suitable growing temperature: 15-25°C. Flowering period: spring-summer. Raising seedlings: choose loose, fertile soil to make a bed, cover with about 0.2 cm of soil, and germination takes about 8-15 days. Cultivation: transplant when the seedlings have grown 6-7 true leaves, and plant one plant per 13-17 cm pot for pot cultivation. After the seedlings are established, pinch once to encourage more branching and more flowers; conversely, if there are too many branches, some side buds should be removed when necessary to obtain larger flowers. Because of its taproot nature, direct sowing is preferable; sow in autumn, cover for overwintering in the open field, and it will bloom in early summer. If overwintered in a cold frame, it can bloom in late spring; spring sowing should be done as early as possible. It blooms in June.

II. Sowing method:

1. Raising seedlings: choose loose, fertile soil to make a bed, and cover with about 0.2 cm of soil.

2. Cultivation: transplant when the seedlings have grown 6-7 true leaves, and plant one plant per 13-17 cm pot for pot cultivation. After the seedlings are established, pinch once to encourage more branching and more flowers; conversely, if there are too many branches, some side buds should be removed when necessary to obtain larger flowers. Because of its taproot nature, direct sowing is preferable; sow in autumn, cover for overwintering in the open field, and it will bloom in early summer. If overwintered in a cold frame, it can bloom in late spring; spring sowing should be done as early as possible. It blooms in June.

3. Soil: It prefers loose, fertile sandy loam with good drainage. The growing soil should be made as well-drained and well-aerated as possible; if the soil is rather clayey, mix in 30-40% tree fern fiber or perlite to improve it.

4. Watering: In principle, watering once a day is enough, but in drier summer weather, water once in the morning and once in the evening to keep the potting soil moist and lower the temperature of the pot, but avoid waterlogging.

5. Fertilizing: Cornflower likes plenty of fertilizer; during the growing period, apply a diluted three-element liquid fertilizer once a month. If the leaves are too lush, reduce the proportion of nitrogen fertilizer; before flowering, apply more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to obtain larger flowers with beautiful colors.

6. Flowering period management: Cornflower can branch naturally; when there are many side branches, the flowers are smaller. When necessary, some side buds can be removed, leaving only the smaller branches, to obtain larger flowers. Cornflower is a long-day plant, and in winter the daylight hours are shorter; if a plant light is used at night to supplement lighting, flowering can be advanced.

How to grow cornflower: cornflower propagation methods

Cornflower, also known as blue beauty, emerald blue, lychee chrysanthemum, etc., is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant of the genus Centaurea in the Asteraceae family. It has extremely high ornamental value. Tall-growing plants are upright with long flower stalks and are suitable for cut flowers, and can also be used as flower border material. Dwarf plants are only 20 cm tall and can be used for flower beds, edging lawns, or potted flower display. Now let us take a look at how to grow cornflower!

Growth habits of cornflower

The homeland of cornflower is Europe. It was originally a wild flower, and after many years of cultivation by people, its "wild" nature has diminished, the flowers have become larger, and the colors have increased, with varieties in purple, blue, light red, white, etc., among which purple and blue are the most precious. In Germany, it can be found everywhere on hillsides, in fields, by the water, along roadsides, and around houses, and it is regarded as the national flower of Germany. It has strong adaptability, likes sufficient sunlight, and does not tolerate shade and dampness. It must be planted in a sunny place with good drainage; otherwise, it often dies due to shade and dampness. It is relatively cold-tolerant, likes cool conditions, and avoids heat. It likes fertile, loose, and well-drained sandy soil.

Propagation methods of cornflower

Cornflower seeds are generally sown in spring and autumn, with autumn being better, roughly from mid-August to mid-to-late September. When planting, sow the seeds in an open-field seedbed, press lightly, then water an appropriate amount, cover with grass, and they can germinate quickly; remove the grass cover after sprouting. When the leaves have grown to 6-7, they can be transplanted. They can be planted out in November, and afterward apply a 1:5 decomposed human manure liquid once every 10 days or half a month, until February-March of the following year. For pot sowing, fertile and loose soil is needed, and it is recommended to add mixed soil such as leaf mold.

How to grow cornflower

1. Planting out: After cornflower seedlings are established, pinch once to encourage more branching and more flowers; conversely, if there are too many branches, some side buds should be removed when necessary to obtain larger flowers. Because of its taproot nature, direct sowing is preferable; sow in autumn, cover for overwintering in the open field, and it will bloom in early summer. If overwintered in a cold frame, it can bloom in late spring; spring sowing should be done as early as possible. It blooms in June.

2. Potting soil: The potting soil for cornflower should be loose and fertile. It is best to choose loose, well-drained, fertile sandy soil, preferably a mixed soil of garden soil, leaf mold, plant ash, etc. It is best to maintain good ventilation to facilitate drainage. If the soil is too clayey, mix in 30-40% tree fern fiber or perlite into the soil.

3. Temperature: Cornflower has strong cold resistance. In East China it can be planted in the open field, while in North China it must be covered to overwinter. When grown as cut flowers, greenhouses are usually used to force flowering: sow in August, plant out in September, and flowers can be produced in February of the following year. In the warm areas inside Shanhaiguan, sowing is generally done in August-September, overwintered with cover in the open field, planted out in early spring of the second year, and it blooms in early summer. In Northeast China, spring sowing is done in greenhouses.

4. Watering: Cornflower does not tolerate shade and dampness. Generally, watering once a day is enough to meet its needs, but in hot and dry summer weather, water once in the morning and once in the evening to meet its water needs and cool the soil, and be careful not to water too much and cause accumulation in the pot.

5. Fertilizing: Cornflower likes plenty of fertilizer and needs fertile soil. During the growing period, apply a diluted three-element liquid fertilizer once a month. If the leaves are too lush, reduce the proportion of nitrogen fertilizer; before flowering, apply more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to obtain larger flowers with beautiful colors.

Precautions for cornflower

1. Cornflower is robust, relatively cold-tolerant, likes sunlight, and requires fertile, loose, well-drained soil.

2. Base fertilizer should be applied before planting out cornflower. Because cornflower has a taproot system and does not tolerate transplanting, a larger soil ball must be kept when transplanting.

3. Cornflower stems are slender and weak and prone to lodging, so the planting distance should not be too dense. Prevent overly dense growth and poor ventilation, which can cause lodging.

4. During the seedling stage, cornflower needs tip pinching to encourage more branching and dwarf the plant, so that it blooms more and has a graceful plant shape.

5. During the growing period, apply a liquid fertilizer once every 20 days to cornflower, but note that too much nitrogen fertilizer should not be applied; appropriately apply more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to make the stems sturdy and the flower colors bright.

6. Cornflower should be watered moderately, not too much. During the rainy season, be sure to drain water promptly; otherwise, it will cause root rot and affect the normal growth of the plant.

What is the flower language of cornflower? Cornflower growing methods

Cornflower is an ornamental herbaceous plant originating in Europe. It has rich varieties, an elegant plant shape, large and brilliant flowers, unique and beautiful flower forms, and diverse colors. Among them, purple and blue cornflowers are the most precious among all flower colors. Today cornflower has been widely planted, mainly distributed in Europe, North America, and other places. Next, the editor will briefly introduce the flower language of cornflower and the growing methods of cornflower.

I. What is the flower language of cornflower

The flower language of cornflower is encounter and happiness. Some people also believe that the flower language of cornflower is meticulousness, elegance, the happiness of being single, longing, love, and loyalty, etc. Legend has it that when Queen Louise, mother of Prussian Emperor Wilhelm I, saw blue cornflowers on the road while fleeing, she wove them into a wreath and placed it on William's chest. Later, Wilhelm I became German Emperor, so cornflower is also regarded by Germans as a symbol of the royal family and the nation.

II. Cornflower growing methods

1. Raising seedlings

Seed propagation is the most commonly used propagation method for cornflower. First, prepare loose, fertile soil as the seedbed for the seeds, then sow in mid-to-late September. When sowing, the seeds need to be completely buried in the soil and pressed lightly. After covering with grass, water, and frequently pay attention to whether the soil is dry or wet, replenishing water in time to ensure the soil remains moist. After cornflower germinates, the grass cover on the seedbed can be removed, and care for it patiently. When the leaves of the cornflower seedlings grow to 6-7, they can be divided and transplanted into pots. After the seedlings are established, pinch once to encourage more branching and more flowering.

2. Cultivation site

Cornflower has strong adaptability, likes a cool environment, and is cold-tolerant but avoids heat. Therefore, the cultivation site for cornflower should be a cool environment with sufficient sunlight.

3. Soil

Cornflower likes fertile, loose, and well-drained sandy soil. When cultivating, choose soil with weaker clay content; fertile sandy soil is best. If the soil is too clayey, add 30-40% tree fern fiber or perlite to neutralize the clay content of the soil, and pay attention to the drainage of the soil, keep drainage smooth, and strictly prevent water accumulation.

4. Watering

Generally, watering once a day is enough. In hot summer, water once in the morning and once in the evening. When watering, spray water on the leaves of cornflower to keep the soil moist, but adhere to the principle of "water when dry, stop when wet," and strictly avoid water accumulation. During the rainy season, loosen the soil frequently and drain promptly to prevent root rot.

5. Light

Cornflower likes a sunny environment and does not tolerate shade and dampness. When cultivating, ensure the duration of sunlight. In winter, when sunlight is relatively short, use a plant light at night to supplement lighting, so that cornflower gets sufficient light duration and is encouraged to bloom earlier.

6. Fertilizer

Cornflower likes plenty of fertilizer. When cultivating, apply appropriate fertilizer to ensure good growth. Its fertilizer is mainly nitrogen fertilizer. Before flowering, in order to make the flowers large and beautiful, reduce the application of nitrogen fertilizer and increase the proportion of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. If the branches and leaves of cornflower are too dense, the application of nitrogen fertilizer can also be appropriately reduced. In addition, a diluted three-element liquid fertilizer should be used once a month.

7. Pruning

To ensure large flowers and brilliant colors, prune the side branches of cornflower. If necessary, some side buds can also be removed, keeping the small branches.

The flower language of cornflower is encounter and happiness, and growing it is also very simple. As long as attention is paid to factors such as temperature, light, watering, fertilizing, and branch and leaf pruning, cornflower will grow very well. Friends who like cornflower can try planting a pot!