LIFE CYCLE
Annual
PLANT CHARACTERISTICS
Dramatic
GROWTH HABIT
Upright
BLOOM SEASON
Summer–Autumn
FLAVOUR PROFILE
Ornamental
SUITABLE FOR
Outdoor
SEED TYPE
Open-pollinated
PLANT TYPE
Flowering plant
PLANTING SEASON
Spring
FRUIT SIZE
N/A
PLANT HEIGHT
Medium
LIGHT REQUIREMENT
Full Sun
WATER NEEDS
Moderate
HARDINESS ZONES
2–11
CONTAINER GARDEN
Yes
PLANT SPACING
25–30 cm
PLANTING DEPTH
Shallow
GROWING CONDITIONS
Well-drained
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Cornflower 'Black Ball' a popular flowering plant?
What makes Cornflower 'Black Ball' a popular flowering plant?
Cornflower 'Black Ball' is admired for its rich deep burgundy to near-black blooms, slender upright stems, and long flowering season, making it a popular choice for cottage gardens, cutting gardens, wildflower meadows, and ornamental borders.
Where can Cornflower 'Black Ball' be grown?
Where can Cornflower 'Black Ball' be grown?
It grows well in flower beds, mixed borders, cottage gardens, wildflower plantings, and containers with fertile, well-drained soil in a location that receives full sun.
Do bees, butterflies, and other pollinators visit the flowers?
Do bees, butterflies, and other pollinators visit the flowers?
Yes, the nectar-rich blooms may attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinating insects throughout the flowering season.
Can Cornflower 'Black Ball' be used as a cut flower?
Can Cornflower 'Black Ball' be used as a cut flower?
Yes, its sturdy stems and distinctive dark blooms make it well suited for fresh bouquets, floral arrangements, and dried flower displays.
Does removing spent flowers encourage continued blooming?
Does removing spent flowers encourage continued blooming?
Yes, deadheading faded blooms helps keep plants looking tidy and may encourage continuous flowering under suitable growing conditions.
Does Cornflower 'Black Ball' provide long-lasting seasonal interest?
Does Cornflower 'Black Ball' provide long-lasting seasonal interest?
Yes, healthy plants produce abundant deep burgundy to near-black flowers above delicate green foliage, adding lasting color, texture, height, and ornamental appeal to gardens, borders, containers, and wildflower plantings throughout the flowering season under suitable growing conditions.