Cornflower "Red ball"

500 seeds

How to Seed Cornflower ‘Red Ball’ (Centaurea cyanus)

1. Best Time to Sow (Gulf Region):

   • Outdoors: From October to February, when temperatures range between 12–25°C (54–77°F).

   • Indoors or nursery trays: From December to February for early transplanting before spring.

   • Avoid sowing in April to September, as Gulf heat causes poor germination and short blooming.

2. Sowing Depth:
   Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep directly into moist, well-drained soil.
   Water lightly after sowing to settle the soil.

3. Soil:
   Prefers light, well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
   Ideal Gulf mix: 40% garden soil + 30% peat moss + 20% perlite + 10% compost.
   Avoid overly rich or wet soil, which can promote excessive leaf growth instead of flowers.

4. Light & Temperature:

   • Germination temperature: 15–20°C (59–68°F).

   • Requires full sun for best color and bloom density.

   • In the Gulf, provide full morning sunlight and light afternoon shade to prevent heat stress.

5. Germination Time:
   Seeds germinate in 7–14 days under ideal conditions.

6. Transplanting:

   • If sown in trays, transplant when seedlings are 5–8 cm tall.

   • Space plants 20–25 cm apart for compact, bushy growth.

   • Harden seedlings gradually before moving outdoors permanently.

7. Growing Tips for Gulf Climate:

   • Sunlight: Prefers full morning sun with partial shade in the afternoon.

   • Watering: Water moderately and regularly — keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.

   • Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during the growing and blooming period.

   • Maintenance: Remove faded blooms (deadhead) to encourage continuous flowering.

   • The ‘Red Ball’ variety produces bright crimson-red, round blooms that add vivid color to borders, pots, and cut-flower arrangements.

   • Blooms from late winter through early summer in the Gulf region.