Corn Cockle; Corn Rose; Corn or Red Campion; Crown-of-the-Field
PINK FAMILY - Caryophyllaceae: Corn Cockle; Corn Rose; Corn or Red Campion; Crown-of-the-Field

A beautiful, magenta-purple annual wildflower, once a common sight in cornfields. Performing best in poor, well-drained soil, the flowers are highly attractive to bees. Self-seeds readily. Ht 60cm (2ft)

Sow indoors in early spring, at 13-18*C (55-65*F) 4-8 weeks before planting outside, alternatively, the seed can also be sown directly where they are to flower in mid to late spring. Use well drained compost and cover to a depth of 3mm (1/8in). When large enough to handle, transplant the seedlings into small pots to grow on. Acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost. Plant 15cm (6in) apart.

Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. In autumn cut the faded flowerheads down to the ground, but leave a few plants to self seed.

Flowers--Magenta or bright purplish crimson, 1 to 3 in. broad, solitary at end of long, stout footstem; 5 lobes of calyx leaf-like, very long and narrow, exceeding petals. Corolla of 5 broad, rounded petals; 10 stamens; 5 styles alternating with calyx lobes, opposite petals. Stem,: 1 to 3 ft. high, erect, with few or no branches, leafy, the plant covered with fine white hairs. Leaves: Opposite, seated on stem, long, narrow, pointed, erect. Fruit: a 1-celled, many-seeded capsule.

Preferred Habitat--Wheat and other grain fields; dry, waste places.

Flowering Season--July-September.