Corn Cockle ‘Ocean Pearls’

Agrostemma githago

Features

  • Easy to grow
  • Medium producer
  • Toxic

Description

The long, delicate stems of this variety remind us of a tiny ballerina in a wind-up music box. Pointed, tightly swirled buds unfurl to reveal ethereal, feather-light blooms. Clean white flowers turn slightly downward with tiny tan freckles. Plants are very easy to grow and produce tons of flowers that dance in the slightest breeze.

Please note: All parts of corn cockle are poisonous, including the seeds. Use caution around children and pets.

Details

Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 36 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 90 to 100 days
Plant spacing: 9 in

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Start seed indoors in trays 4 to 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. They can also be direct-seeded.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when 1 or 2 flowers on a stem are open. Immediately after harvest, dip the bottom few inches of the stems in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds, or use Quick Dip, then place into cool water. Expect a vase life of 5 to 7 days.

Details

Description

The long, delicate stems of this variety remind us of a tiny ballerina in a wind-up music box. Pointed, tightly swirled buds unfurl to reveal ethereal, feather-light blooms. Clean white flowers turn slightly downward with tiny tan freckles. Plants are very easy to grow and produce tons of flowers that dance in the slightest breeze.

Please note: All parts of corn cockle are poisonous, including the seeds. Use caution around children and pets.

Details

Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 36 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 90 to 100 days
Plant spacing: 9 in

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Start seed indoors in trays 4 to 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. They can also be direct-seeded.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when 1 or 2 flowers on a stem are open. Immediately after harvest, dip the bottom few inches of the stems in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds, or use Quick Dip, then place into cool water. Expect a vase life of 5 to 7 days.

Sources

How to Grow

Winter Mini Course

Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series

In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.