Scientific Name: Agrostemma githago
Planting : Corn cockle seeds should be sown directly into the garden bed as they do not transplant well due to their long taproot. Plant the seeds in early spring after the last frost date or in the fall for blooms the following year. Sow the seeds about 1cm deep in well-draining soil.
Height and Spacing: Corn cockle plants typically grow to a height of 60-90cm (24-36 inches). Plant spacing should be around 25cm (10 inches) apart to allow room for growth and airflow between plants.
Days to Maturity: Corn cockle has a relatively short maturity period, usually taking between 80-100 days from seed sowing to flowering.
Sun Preference: Corn cockle thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Ensure they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming.
Plant Type classified as a hardy annual plant, meaning it completes its life cycle within a year and can withstand cooler temperatures.
Appearance : Corn Cockle is characterized by its silky-haired, slender stems and opposite, narrow leaves. The flowers are solitary with 5 pink or purplish petals and 5 sepals that extend beyond the petals. They grow singly on long stalks from the leaf axils all summer. The fruit is a capsule with numerous black, pitted seeds.
Harvesting : Harvest the flowers just as the buds start to crack open. This is when they are at their freshest and most vibrant. Make clean cuts at ground level using sharp scissors or shears. This helps the plant recover quickly and encourages more blooms.
Vase Life : Vase life can be expected for 5-7 days.
Toxicity :All parts of the plant are poisonous, so caution should be taken around children and pets.
Special Features: The Corn Cockle was once a common weed in wheat fields across Europe. Its seeds would often mix with the grain during harvesting. It has been associated with fertility and abundance due to its historical presence in wheat fields, symbolizing the intertwining of useful and harmful elements in life. The seeds of the Corn Cockle are robust and can remain viable in the soil for several years, enabling the plant to re-establish itself under favorable conditions.