With graceful, papery blooms that dance on wiry stems, Agrostemma githago — also known as Corncockle — is a must-grow for anyone creating a romantic cut flower patch or naturalistic cottage garden. Its soft, meadow-style appearance makes it perfect for weaving through borders or sowing en masse for impact, while the long, slender stems are loved by flower arrangers for their movement and ease of cutting. A classic choice for wildflower-inspired planting and easy cut flower gardens, Agrostemma is quick to grow, thrives in poor soil, and flowers reliably from late spring into early summer.
 
When to Sow: Mar – May or Sept – Oct
 
HOW TO SOW AGROSTEMMA GITHAGO:
Sow in trays or pots – Sow into moist compost and cover with 3mm of soil. Ideal temp 15–20°c. Germination takes 10–21 days. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to individual pots.

Sow Direct – Sow into a prepared seed bed 3mm deep, keep well watered until plants are well established. Thin to 25cm – they don’t like to be crowded.
 
Classification: Hardy Annual
Expert Level: Easy to Grow
Germination Time: 1–3 Weeks
Flowering Time: May – Jul (spring sowing), or early the following year (autumn sowing)
 
Site: Full Sun
Soil Type: Well Drained / Poor to Average Soil
Soil Acidity: All Types
Moisture: Low to Moderate
Care: Stake if growing in exposed spots. Deadhead to extend flowering.
Use: Cut Flowers, Meadow-Style Borders, Naturalistic Planting
Harvesting: When buds are just showing colour – open flowers are delicate
 
Days to Maturity: Approx. 80–100 Days
Vase Life: 5–6 Days
Height: 60–90cm
Plant Spacing: 25cm