Centaurea cyanus Classic Magic | Cornflower | Bachelor’s Button

A truly enchanting cornflower mix, Centaurea cyanus ‘Classic Magic’ produces elegant blooms in extraordinary shades ranging from soft mauve with deep centres to dramatic near-black petals delicately tipped in white. This refined colour palette creates a magical effect in borders and brings depth and contrast to summer bouquets.

Cornflowers are beloved for their natural cottage-garden charm, pollinator appeal, and effortless cultivation. This hardy annual grows tall, strong stems perfect for cutting, making it a favourite among gardeners, flower farmers, and floral designers alike.

Flowering abundantly from late spring through summer, ‘Classic Magic’ blends beautifully with other seasonal flowers such as cosmos, larkspur, and phlox, adding movement and texture to arrangements.

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Centaurea cyanus ‘Classic Magic’
• Common name: Cornflower, Bachelor’s Button
• Type: Hardy annual
• Days to maturity: 65–80 days
• Pinching: Not necessary
• Height: 80–100 cm
• Position: Full sun
• Flowering: May – September
• Use: Borders • Cut flowers • Landscapes
• Packet size: 1 g
• Approx. seeds per packet: 250

Why Grow ‘Classic Magic’

• Unique mix of dramatic cornflower colours
• Shades from soft mauve to deep near-black tones
• Long, strong stems perfect for cutting
• Easy to grow and very reliable
• Excellent for pollinators such as bees and beneficial insects
• Beautiful addition to cottage and meadow gardens

Sowing Instructions

Direct Sow (Recommended)

• Sow August–September for early summer flowering
  or
• Sow March–April directly into prepared soil
• Depth: 3 mm
• Rows: 30 cm apart
• Thin to 15 cm spacing

Indoor Sowing (Optional)

• Sow onto moist compost, cover lightly
• Germination: 14–21 days at 15–20°C
• Transplant gently to 8 cm pots
• Overwinter under cover and plant out in spring
• Tip: freeze seeds 10–14 days before sowing to boost germination

Growing Tips

• Do not fertilise — encourages leaf, not flowers
• Plants enjoy being slightly crowded
• Deadhead or harvest regularly for extended bloom
• Pinching not required

Harvesting & Vase Life

• Harvest when flowers are ¼–½ open
• For sprays: cut when half the florets are open
• Vase life: up to 7 days

Ideal For

• Cottage gardens
• Meadow-style borders
• Naturalistic planting
• Cut-flower gardens
• Pollinator-friendly spaces