Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd
Corncockle Bianca - Agrostemma githago
Corncockle Bianca - Agrostemma githago
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Corncockle 'Bianca' Seeds
Once a common sight in British cornfields, the Corncockle has become a rare garden treasure. 'Bianca' is the stunning pure white form of this wildflower, producing large, open trumpets with silky petals that seem to glow against their slender, silver-grey stems.
This is a plant of grace and movement. It doesn't form a heavy clump; instead, it sways gently in the breeze, weaving its way through other plants. It is the perfect choice for a "Moon Garden" or a white border, where its luminous blooms catch the low evening light. It is incredibly easy to grow, beloved by bees, and adds a touch of wild, timeless romance to any space.
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🌿 Understanding the Plant
Corncockle is a Hardy Annual.
It completes its life cycle in one season. It is a "cool season" flower, meaning it establishes best in the cooler days of spring or autumn.
The "Weaving" Habit: Agrostemma has tall, thin, wiry stems. It isn't designed to stand alone in a pot; it likes to grow up through other plants (like grasses or cornflowers) which help support it. It creates a natural, intermingled look.
🌱 Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow
This plant has a long taproot and hates being transplanted. Direct sowing is essential.
Germination:
Sow directly outdoors in Autumn (Sept) for taller, earlier plants, or Spring (March-May). Scatter seeds onto raked soil and cover with 1cm of soil. Germination is rapid (7-14 days).
Where to Sow:
They need **full sun**. They are not fussy about soil pH but prefer it to be well-drained. They will flop in heavy shade or very rich, manured soil.
Care While Growing:
Support: Because the stems are slender and tall (up to 90cm), plant them close together or amongst other plants so they can self-support. If growing in an exposed spot, some twiggy sticks will help.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Latin Name | Agrostemma githago 'Bianca' |
| Common Name | White Corncockle |
| Hardiness | H7 (Very Hardy - to -20°C) |
| Light Required | Full Sun ☀️ |
| Height | ↕️ 60cm - 90cm (Tall) |
| Spread | ↔️ 30cm |
| Spacing | 🌱 20cm apart |
| Great for | 🌙 Moon Gardens 🐝 Bees & Butterflies 🌾 Meadow Style ✂️ Cut Flowers (Short Life) |
| Seed Count | Approx. 100 seeds per packet |
🤝 Perfect Garden Companions
Corncockle looks best in a naturalistic or "white garden" setting:
- 🌿 Ammi Majus (Queen Anne's Lace): The White Haze. Both plants are tall, airy, and white. Growing them together creates a stunning, cloud-like effect that looks incredibly sophisticated.
- 🔵 Cornflower 'Blue Ball': The Meadow Classic. Recreate the lost cornfields of old Britain by mixing the white corncockle with bright blue cornflowers. It’s a nostalgic, pollinator-friendly mix.
📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar
Sow outdoors in autumn or spring. Flowers mid-summer.
| Month | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow Outdoors | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | |||||||
| Flowers | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 |
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Unlike Cornflowers, all parts of the Corncockle plant (especially the seeds) are poisonous if ingested. Do not eat, and take care in gardens with pets that are prone to chewing plants.
🏆 Officially Recognised Excellence
Agrostemma is a biodiversity hero. It is listed on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list, producing easily accessible nectar for bees and butterflies.
