Dark Purple Cornflower 'Black Ball' (Centaurea cyanus) seeds
- Old-fashioned charm in deep violet – easy to grow and loved by bees. <ai>
- Contents: Approx. 200 seeds
- Open-pollinated variety, seed tested regularly
€2.39
Description
Near-Black Blooms for Dramatic Contrast – An Unusual Summer Flower for Wildlife Gardens and Cutting
The Cornflower 'Black Ball' (Centaurea cyanus) is a particularly striking cultivar of the classic field flower, notable for its deep, almost black flower heads. While the wild cornflower once flourished across European grain fields, it has been increasingly displaced by industrial agriculture. Varieties like 'Black Ball' bring the wild charm back into our gardens – in a rare and dramatic colour variation.
The edible flowers of this variety are ideal for decorative use in salads, desserts, or as a topping for baked goods. Their almost black-red colour makes them a distinctive highlight on the plate. Unlike the classic blue cornflower, it is not significant as a dye plant, but stands out as an extravagant cut flower with strong visual impact in naturalistic or formal floral arrangements.
Cornflowers have a long cultural history as symbolic plants, wildflowers, and insect forage. 'Black Ball' is also bee-friendly, offering a valuable nectar source thanks to its extended flowering period.
Plant profile
| Plant type | Summer flower, Wildflower |
|---|---|
| Use | Cut flower, Dye plant, Medicinal plant, Ornamental plant, Vegetable |
| Lifecycle | Annual or biennial |
| Species | Asteraceae |
| Region of origin | Eastern Europe, Mediterranean Region, Southern Europe |
| Characteristics | Needs light to germinate |
| Eventual height | 30-150 cm |
| Flower colour | White |
| Flowering months | August, July, June, May |
Growing instructions
| When to sow outdoors | April, August, March, October, September |
|---|---|
| Sowing depth | 0.5 cm |
| Germination temperature | 10-18°C |
| Germination time | 2-3 weeks |
| Climate | Temperate |
| Soil type | Dry, Fresh, Humus-rich, Low nutrient levels, Poor, Sandy |
| Sunlight | Full sun, Shade |
| Water requirement | Low |
| Planting distance | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
Sowing and care
Sowing and Care of Centaurea cyanus
'Black Ball' is an easy-to-grow, annual summer flower that reaches a height of 80–100?cm. It prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in well-drained, low-nutrient soils. It tolerates heat and drought well – waterlogging should be strictly avoided.
- Sowing: Direct sow from April or in autumn. Light-dependent germinator – do not cover with soil.
- Germination: After a period of cold; spacing approx. 30?cm.
- Care: Do not fertilise, water sparingly, plant in full sun.
With its exceptionally dark blooms, 'Black Ball' adds depth and drama to flower beds, summer bouquets, and wildlife gardens – a true rarity among cornflowers.
Other names
Botanical name: Centaurea cyanus
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