Red Boy Cornflower is a vibrant heirloom variety of Centaurea cyanus that brings saturated red blooms to gardens from spring through late summer. Reaching a compact 24 inches tall with a 10-inch spread, this cornflower produces flowers in just 70 days from seed to bloom, making it a rewarding choice for gardeners seeking quick color. Its deer resistance and drought tolerance mean once established, it thrives on moderate water and full sun with minimal fussing, while its pollinator-attracting flowers add life to any garden.
8
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
24in H x 10in W
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Moderate
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Red Boy Cornflower blooms reliably from March through August in a concentrated, jewel-toned red that stands apart from the traditional blue varieties most gardeners expect. The compact 24-inch height makes it nimble enough for borders and containers without the legginess of taller cornflower cultivars. Sown in early spring, you'll see flowers in just 70 days, and once it establishes, it handles drought with grace and asks for water only during dry spells.
Cornflowers have long been valued as cut flowers, and Red Boy's saturated red color and sturdy stems make it particularly striking in bouquets and arrangements. The blooms also attract pollinators throughout the growing season, supporting bees and beneficial insects in the garden.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring, 3 to 4 weeks before your last frost date. You can also fall sow in October in zones 7 to 10 for earlier spring blooms. Press seeds barely into the soil, covering only about 1/16 inch, and keep the seedbed moist until sprouts emerge.
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