The strong, slender stems of this pretty cornflower are topped with large, intense-blue flowers from mid to late summer. Height 80cm. Full sun. Moist, well-drained soil. Hardy annual.
Centaurea cyanus ‘Goliath Blue’ is a stunning hardy annual with vibrant, intense-blue flowers atop strong, slender stems. Reaching a height of 80cm, this beautiful cornflower is ideal for borders, cottage gardens, and as a cut flower. Follow this detailed guide to ensure your established Centaurea cyanus ‘Goliath Blue’ plants thrive and deliver an eye-catching display from mid to late summer.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
Spring: Plant your Centaurea cyanus ‘Goliath Blue’ in early to mid-spring, once the soil is workable and conditions are mild. This allows plants to settle in and establish quickly.
Autumn: Alternatively, plant in early autumn. This gives the plants time to acclimatise before winter and ensures strong growth the following spring.
Site Selection
Sunlight: Centaurea cyanus ‘Goliath Blue’ flourishes in full sun. Choose a location with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily to encourage vigorous growth and abundant flowering.
Soil: Ensure the planting site has moist, well-drained soil. Amending the soil with organic matter, such as compost, will improve its structure and fertility, benefiting your Centaurea cyanus ‘Goliath Blue’.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of 20-25cm and clear the area of any weeds or debris. Mix in compost to enhance soil fertility and drainage.
Positioning the Plants: Space your Centaurea cyanus ‘Goliath Blue’ plants 20-30cm apart to allow for proper airflow and growth.
Planting: Dig a hole slightly larger than the plant’s root ball. Place the plant into the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole and firm the soil gently around the base.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help the plants settle in and encourage root establishment.
Watering Requirements
Active Growth Period: Water Centaurea cyanus ‘Goliath Blue’ regularly during its growing season, particularly in dry periods. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to avoid waterlogging.
Established Plants: Once established, Centaurea is relatively drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering.
Feeding
Apply a balanced, general-purpose fertiliser in early spring to promote healthy growth.
A second, light feeding during the flowering period will help sustain blooms throughout the summer.
Pruning and Deadheading
Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage fresh flowers and extend the flowering season of Centaurea cyanus ‘Goliath Blue’.
At the end of the growing season, leave some flowers to set seed if you’d like the plant to self-seed naturally.
Mulching
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain an even soil temperature.
Final Tips
Centaurea cyanus ‘Goliath Blue’ is an easy-to-care-for plant that adds vibrant colour to any garden. Position your plants in full sun with well-drained soil, and follow these simple care steps to enjoy a long-lasting display of their bold, blue flowers.
Incorporating Centaurea into your garden will not only brighten your outdoor space but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. With its hardy nature and dazzling blooms, Centaurea is a fantastic choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
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