Cornflower 'Tom Pouce Pink'

100 seeds

How to Seed Pink Cornflower ‘Tom Pouce Pink’ (Centaurea cyanus)

1. Best Time to Sow (Gulf Region):

   • Outdoors: From October to February, when daytime temperatures are mild (15–25°C / 59–77°F).

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

   • Avoid sowing from April to September, as high heat and humidity reduce germination and flower size.

2. Sowing Depth:
   Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep in moist soil.
   Cover lightly and press gently — cornflowers germinate best when not buried deeply.

3. Soil:
   Prefers well-drained, light, sandy, or loamy soil.
   Ideal Gulf mix: 40% garden soil + 30% peat moss + 20% perlite + 10% compost.
   Avoid clay or compacted soil that holds too much water.

4. Light & Temperature:

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

   • Requires full sun for strong growth and rich color.

   • In the Gulf, provide full morning sun and light afternoon shade to protect from intense heat.

5. Germination Time:
   Seeds germinate in 7–14 days under warm, moist conditions.

6. Transplanting:

   • When seedlings are 8–10 cm tall, transplant gently into garden beds or pots.

   • Space plants 20–25 cm apart to allow bushy, upright growth.

   • If possible, sow directly where plants will bloom to avoid root disturbance.

7. Growing Tips for Gulf Climate:

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

   • Watering: Keep the soil slightly moist; water early morning or evening, avoiding waterlogging.

   • Feeding: Use a balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during active growth.

   • Maintenance: Remove faded blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering.

   • The ‘Tom Pouce Pink’ variety produces soft pink, double blooms that add elegance to borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements.

   • Blooms from late winter to early summer in the Gulf.