Centaurea cyanus, 'Red Ball'

Germination

Sow indoors for early summer flowers the following year. Sow onto moist seed compost. Cover with a fine sprinkling of soil. Propagate at 15-20°C, keep moist. Germination takes 14-21 days. Transplant seedlings once large enough to handle to 8cm pots. Overwinter under glass. Plant out the following spring. Can sow direct into prepared, raked soil 3mm deep in drills 30cm apart. Thin to 15cm spacing when large enough to handle.

Growing

Do not fertilise as this encourages leaf growth instead of flowers. Likes to be crowded.

Cultivation

May require support. Deadhead regularly to extend the flowering period. This is a cut and come again variety.