Many songs and poems were composed in Russia about the blue cornflower - Centaurea cyanus L., (or sowing, field) - a representative of the Compositae family. Since ancient times, it has been considered a symbol of devotion and tenderness. In 1968, the cornflower was declared the national flower of Estonia.

In addition to attractive appearance, cornflower has healing properties that are recognized by official medicine: the plant has diuretic, antimicrobial and choleretic effects.

Biological description

Cornflower blue- This is a one- or two-year-old plant with a branched, rough, erect stem up to 80-100 cm tall. The root is thin, taproot. The leaves are arranged alternately, the lower ones are petiolate, pinnately lobed; the upper ones are linear-lanceolate in shape, with a large-toothed or solid edge. The leaves are covered with a thin gray-green felt.

Large flower baskets are located singly on the stems, have a wrapper of membranous leaves arranged in the form of a tile. Flowers in baskets of two types: extreme - of blue color, funnel-shaped, asexual; middle - purple, tubular, bisexual. The fruit of the cornflower is an oblong achene with a reddish tuft. The plant blooms for two summer months (June-July), fruits ripen by August.

Cornflower blue refers to field weeds, distributed throughout European territory, does not grow in the far North and arid southern territories. Favorite habitat - crops of grain crops (rye, wheat and others), sometimes grows in garbage places. Cornflower blue is able to grow among crops so much that it can ruin the grain harvest.

Collection and preparation of blue cornflower

For the purpose of medical use, only marginal flowers are harvested, sometimes median tubular flowers are partially collected, without baskets. Harvesting period - after blooming flowers. If you delay the collection time, the flowers become white and unsuitable for harvesting. The baskets of the plant are cut or plucked by hand and the marginal flowers are plucked.

The quality of raw materials depends on the drying conditions, so drying is carried out quickly in special artificial dryers at temperature regime at 50-60°C. Subject to the drying regime, the active ingredients are completely preserved, and the flowers do not lose their bright blue color.

Store dried raw materials in a dry room, in a dark place for two years.

The chemical composition of blue cornflower

Anthocyanins are the main active ingredients of the plant. These are cyanine, cyanidin derivatives, pelargonidin. Also contains flavonoids luteolin, kaempferol, astragalin; mineral salts, saponins, bitterness, alkaloids, ascorbic acid and pectin substances.

Cornflower blue - useful properties

Blue cornflower flowers are a diuretic, so the plant is mainly used to treat kidney diseases. In the study of the clinical effect on patients with urolithiasis, it was found that blue cornflower preparations significantly increase urination, reduce the blood concentration of substances involved in stone formation (inorganic phosphorus, calcium, uric acid).

Also, cornflower flowers have a choleretic and antimicrobial effect in diseases of the liver and bile ducts. The antispasmodic properties of the plant are used in the treatment of diseases of the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, prostate, accompanied by spasm.

More beneficial features blue cornflower in the following: the bitterness contained in the raw material improves the function of digestion.

Application in medicine

In the treatment of various conditions use:

• blue cornflower dried flowers - raw materials are used to prepare infusions.
• Infusion - prescribed to increase diuresis in edema caused by diseases of the heart and blood vessels; with chronic inflammation of the kidneys and urinary tract (cystitis, pyelonephritis, urethritis); with inflammation of the prostate gland; for the regulation of salt metabolism with stones in the bladder and bile ducts; in violation of the digestive function. With biliary dyskinesia, cholecystitis, hepatitis and cholangitis, an infusion of cornflower flowers is used to provide choleretic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects.
• Diuretic collection No. 1 - the composition of the collection includes cornflower flowers, crushed bearberry leaves and licorice root. Take an infusion of 15 ml 3-4 times a day with various diseases urinary tract.

Harm and contraindications of blue cornflower

No special contraindications have been identified when using blue cornflower, due to the presence of a cyan component in the raw material, which has a toxic effect in large quantities, it is necessary to carefully consider the choice of dosage medicines. Do not use the plant during pregnancy.

Application in traditional medicine

Cornflower infusion is used to treat eye diseases (in the form of lotions), to reduce elevated body temperature during colds. In dermatology and cosmetics, cornflower infusions and lotions are used for various skin diseases, increased oiliness of the skin; infusion wash the head to stimulate hair growth and treat dandruff.

A decoction of the plant in lotions is applied to trophic ulcers and eczema. Inside, the decoction is drunk with uterine bleeding, diseases of the liver and kidneys, cough, diarrhea.

Application in other industries

Cornflower flowers are added to various dishes as a seasoning, in anti-cold and tonic teas. Powdered seeds are added to sauces and gravies.

From the flowers, a dye for fabrics of blue and blue colors is obtained.

The plant is grown on household plots as decorative.

Cornflower blue - a good honey plant, honey turns greenish yellow color with a pleasant smell, sometimes it can be slightly bitter.

Cultivation of blue cornflower (field)

Cornflower is unpretentious, but feels best on moist soils with sufficient lime content. The plant is propagated by seeds, sowing them in April immediately to the place of permanent growth. After germination, the plants can be thinned out, leaving a distance of about 20 cm between them.

Cornflower care consists of loosening the soil and regular watering. Due to the long flowering period, the cornflower looks beautiful in flower beds and garden vases, the flower can be grown on balconies in boxes.

In myths Ancient Greece tells of the centaur Chiron, who had knowledge of healing properties all herbs. The centaur raised Asclepius, the future patron of all doctors, and passed on his knowledge to him. Therefore, in memory of Chiron (albeit a mythical healer), two genera of plants belonging to different families were named “centaurs”: centaury - Centaurium and cornflower - Centaurea.

Field of blue cornflowers

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knapweed

Russian name- Cornflower. Latin name - Centaurea Family - Compositae or Asteraceae (Composittae or Asteraceae). Motherland - distributed throughout Europe.

History reference

At Slavic peoples there was a tradition during the holiday dedicated to the ripening of rye, barley and wheat, to decorate the first sheaf with cornflowers. He was called a birthday man and brought home with songs.
The Germans enjoyed the greatest love of all European peoples. This plant gained particular popularity in Germany after it became the favorite flower of Emperor Wilhelm I and his mother, Queen Louise. In this country, there are many beliefs and customs associated with cornflower. The stalk and calyx of the cornflower are covered with whitish, mold-like hairs, so the following belief was widespread among the villagers: in a house where cornflowers stand, bread quickly molds. Previously, in many German villages, the cornflower was called ziegenbock - “goat” and was considered the personification of the field goblin, which, according to legend, lives in cornflower flowers and attacks careless reapers. Therefore, when young peasant women went to the field for the first time, their fathers and mothers warned: "Beware of the rye goat!" In some European countries, a wolf acted as a field demon living in cornflowers instead of a goat.

The Latin name of this plant is associated with the centaur Chiron - the ancient Greek mythological hero - half-horse and half-man. He had knowledge of the healing properties of many plants and, with the help of cornflower, was able to recover from the wound inflicted on him by the poisoned arrow of Hercules. This was the reason to call the plant centaurea, which literally means "centaur".

The origin of the Russian name of this plant explains the ancient popular belief. A long time ago, a beautiful mermaid fell in love with a handsome young plowman Vasily. The young man reciprocated her, but the lovers could not agree where they should live - on land or in water. The mermaid did not want to part with Vasily, so she turned him into a wild flower, which in its color resembled the cool blue of water. Since then, according to legend, every summer, when blue cornflowers bloom, mermaids weave wreaths from them and decorate their heads with them.

Biological signs

There are more than 500 types of cornflowers, which are annual and perennial plants. The stem is erect, 30-70 cm high. The alternate leaves may be entire or pinnately dissected. Bright blue flowers, collected in single basket inflorescences, are located at the ends of the stems. The fruit is a seed. Many types of cornflowers are excellent honey plants.

To date, breeders have bred many varieties of this plant, including those with white, pink and red flowers. Among flower growers, hybrid forms of Cornflower mountain (C.montana) are especially popular.

Usage

Cornflower is a medicinal plant. Medications, made on its basis, are used as a diuretic, diaphoretic, choleretic and wound healing agent. A decoction of cornflower flowers is considered an excellent remedy for eye inflammation.

• Most of the species in this genus are of southern European origin.

• Found almost everywhere in Europe among crops, especially in rye.

• Cornflower was known to the ancient Romans.

• This flower is especially loved by the people.

• In herbal medicine, dried cornflower flowers have long been used as a diuretic and choleretic agent.

• Cornflower leaves have an aroma of mint, cloves and lemon. They are used as a seasoning in canning and meat products. They are used in the preparation of sausages, pates, canned food, and salting.

• Cornflowers are honey plants, and are also often used as ornamental plants.

• Cornflowers are used in cosmetics.

• The constant connection of cornflower with rye is explained by the fact that it was brought to us along with rye from the western part of Asia.

• It is believed that the cornflower used and enjoys the greatest popularity and love among the Germans, especially since it turned out to be the favorite flower of the German Emperor Wilhelm I and his mother, Queen Louise.

• Cornflower was also the favorite flower of the sister of William I, Princess Charlotte, the future Empress of Russia Alexandra Feodorovna.

• The Russian name for the flower, according to legend, came from the name of a young guy, Vasily, who was bewitched and killed by a mermaid. Carried away by her in the field, he turned into a blue flower, reminiscent of blue water in its color.

• Inhaling the smoke of a burnt cornflower causes fear.

• If you throw a flower into a fire and then look at the night sky, it will seem that the stars are moving.

• Cornflower was used in the rituals of arable farming and invoking the creative forces of mother nature.

• The flower is carried with them to attract love. Another cornflower is used to remove damage, as a protective plant, a plant-amulet, expelling evil spirits and demons.

• In Belgium, the cornflower was the emblem of freedom.

• In Sweden, a wreath of cornflowers is included in the image of the national flag.

• In 1937, Valery Chkalov, flying through North Pole to America, he took cornflowers into the cockpit of the plane and, as a sign of goodwill, offered them to the first Americans who met him.

• The great Russian fabulist Ivan Andreevich Krylov was very fond of these flowers, and in his last will he asked to put cornflowers in his coffin.

• The distribution of its seeds is interesting. They crawl. Cornflower seed is shaped like a rye seed. At the top of a smooth, very shiny achene there is a small tuft of white hairs. This tuft is the main organ for the movement of achenes, with its help they crawl. When wet, it contracts, and when dry, it lengthens. The hairs of this tuft have notches directed in one direction, with which they rest against the unevenness of the soil. When the tuft is shortened or lengthened, the achene moves.

In this photo, calendula and cornflower were added to the sowing.

Here is the tricolor. Cornflower with and

Passing by the corner, it is impossible not to look at some beautiful fruit. And usually an idea arises, or maybe it is necessary to plant a garden? Plants are a good decoration for design. If the morning starts with positive emotions, then the whole busy day is transferred much more fun. Gardening is quite a favorite hobby, which gives pleasant feelings not only to relatives but also to all passers-by.

Ukrainian fairy tale about Vasilka

There once lived in a village a poor widow with her only son, Vasil. He was a handsome and hardworking guy, and many girls looked at him. But Vasil paid no attention to any of them. From morning to night he worked in his field, and returning home, he went down to the river - to wash, relax, admire the sunset.

He did not know that a mermaid lives in that river, that every evening she looks at him, parting the leaves of water lilies. He looks and sighs softly. - Ah, - the mermaid whispers, - if you fell in love with me, we would live with you in the depths of the river. Look how beautiful I am, how cool and beautiful I am underwater!

When Vasil saw the mermaid, heard her words, flatly refused to leave his land, his field, did not want to even look at the beauty of the mermaid. - Then, - the beauty got angry, - do not get you to anyone! Become a flower in your field!

A flower swayed among the rye. He was blue-blue, like Vasil's eyes, like deep water in a river! And people called that flower cornflower - in memory of the disappeared young man.

And believe it or not, but one thing is true in it: the blue cornflower grows only among the rye, and if it is found in another place, it means that once there was a rye field here. In those countries where rye was not sown, they did not know about blue cornflower, for example, in Ancient Egypt. In general, cornflowers - more than 550 species! Among them there are not at all blue: they are lilac-red, and pinkish, and almost white. People look at cornflowers - admire, collect bouquets from them, weave wreaths. But the farmers are not very happy with such beauty: cornflowers deplete the soil, when there are many of them, they destroy crops. They are also harmful to animals - cows, horses. If they eat cornflowers, they may even die.

Oleg Tikhomirov)

Tales of flowers

Tales of flowers

Cornflower - a weed or ornamental flower

Cornflower is an ornamental plant of the Asteraceae family. A colorful plant with pink, red, white or blue flowers. Although in our minds, with the word “cornflower”, an image of a blue flower among the ears of wheat and a large field involuntarily arises. Many of us drew such flowers in childhood.

For rural farmers, this is of course a weed, and for a grower, cute village flowers.

Cornflower flower is an annual or perennial plant with a stem up to 80 cm high and narrow leaves. The inflorescence is terry or semi-double in diameter 4-5 cm. There are also perennial cornflowers with large flowers and big beautiful leaves. flowers from June to September.

Lovely rustic flowers

Cornflower is widespread in Europe, Asia, America and even in North Africa. Up to 500 different types this flower. Varieties can be distinguished by the shape of marginal flowers and baskets of inflorescences, which are spherical and cylindrical.

Cornflower is unpretentious. resistant to cold and drought, loves the sun. Create a garden for him comfortable conditions- water, feed, planting them at a distance of 20-30 cm and the cornflower flower (photo attached) will give you abundant and long flowering.

From the story of the cornflower

There are many legends associated with cornflower flowers. Even in ancient times this blue flower was known. A wreath of cornflower was found in the tomb of Tutankhamen during excavations.

Ancient Greek legend says that the centaur Chiron was able to heal his wounds with cornflower juice. Hence the scientific name of this plant centaurea cuanus - centaur flower.

The Russian name is also associated with the Greek word basilicon (basil) and with the name of a young man named Vasily. According to legend, a mermaid turned it into a blue flower.

Cornflowers in the field

It is known from history that I.A. Krylov loved cornflowers and in his will asked to put them in his coffin. The fact is that when Krylov in 1823 received a severe apoplexy, the doctors were powerless.

And then the empress sent him a bouquet of these flowers and asked him to bring the patient to her. Having recovered, the fabulist was deeply touched by such care and wrote the fable "Cornflower". in which he depicted himself as a simple wild flower, and the empress as the sun.

cornflower flowers

cornflower flowers

Hello dear readers of my blog!

Glad to meet you!

Today I will tell you about cornflower flowers and how to grow them correctly in a summer cottage or garden plot.

Let me start with a brief description of this plant - a native of Russia. This plant has long been a decoration of Russian fields. Among local villagers, this plant has always been considered a weed. In principle, it is true, but this weed is painfully beautiful.

like poems from blue lines,

danced ballet in it.

Mom picked a bouquet.

Followed with a long look

us in the village old people.

They argued: "townspeople

collect. weeds"

V.Ivchenko

The plant is accustomed to our growing conditions, just give it a sunny place. In addition to wild forms of blue cornflower, thanks to the work of our breeders, garden forms have appeared that have different colors: pink, white, dark blue, purple. Also bred, very undersized cornflowers, 20 - 25 centimeters high.

Cornflower is an annual plant with a stem up to 80 centimeters high and narrow leaves. The inflorescence is double and semi-double, up to 4 - 5 centimeters in diameter. In addition to annual plants, there are also perennial forms of cornflowers with large dense double inflorescences and large beautiful leaves. Cornflowers bloom from June to September. Undersized cornflowers look beautiful in flowerbeds and flower beds, while tall ones are used for cutting.

Cornflower flowers. Cultivation and care.

Cornflowers are propagated by sowing seeds in open ground. Sowing time - April - May. Seeds are sown in the same way as, for example, delphinium: a small bed is isolated, two kilograms of peat and humus are added per 1 square meter, plus one hundred grams of wood ash and one tablespoon of nitrophoska. After that, the beds are dug up 25 centimeters deep, leveled, tamped, grooves are made, then they are watered abundantly and seeds are sown in them. The seeds are covered with a one-centimeter layer of finely sifted earth on top. From above, the crops need to be lightly tamped by hand. Further, right on the bed, you need to put a covering material and water the crops from above, according to the material every 2 to 3 days, 2 liters of water per 1 sq. meter. Material should be removed immediately after germination. This usually occurs in cornflowers 6-8 days after sowing. A little later, the seedlings must be thinned out, leaving 10 - 12 centimeters between plants.

In order for cornflowers to bloom profusely, you need to feed before flowering begins. To do this, we need nitrophoska (1 tablespoon) and urea (1 tablespoon). We dilute these fertilizers in 10 liters of water and water at the rate of three to four liters per square meter.

It is very good to accelerate the flowering of cornflowers by spraying with the Zircon preparation just before the start of budding. For 1 liter of water, you need to take 1 milliliter of the drug. This solution is enough for spraying 30 square meters landings.

Varieties of perennial cornflowers, such as "Mountain blue", "large-headed yellow" rejuvenate every three to four years, by dividing the bush. And the seeds of perennials are sown in open ground in May and October.

Among gardeners, one of the favorite varieties is the annual cornflower "Mix of Colors". These cornflower flowers come with inflorescences of different colors: white, blue, pink.

I will be glad to your comments and additions. And that's all for today. See you, friends!

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Cornflower (Centaurea): description and types of flower in the photo

The name of the plant comes from the ancient Greek word "kentaurion" - in honor of the mythological famous centaur Chiron, who perfectly mastered the healing secrets of herbs and flowers, including cornflowers.

• Origin: Southern Europe.
• Family: Compositae.
• Content temperature: from +15 to +35°С.
• Watering: spring - autumn moderate, does not require watering in winter.
• Lighting: bright sunlight.

Cornflower is a flower beloved and appreciated by many gardeners for a long time. abundant flowering and grace. It is also popular because it does not require special care and is quite suitable for growing by novice gardeners.

Cornflower - plant description

It is a herbaceous, flowering perennial, biennial or annual plant with erect or lying stems, reaching a height of 120 cm. Leaves arranged in a regular order, from whole to variegated-dissected. Inflorescences - baskets different shapes, from simple spherical to cylindrical, scale wrappers naked or drooping, located singly or in several pieces in corymbose or paniculate inflorescences. Funnel-shaped marginal flowers, middle tubular-funnel-shaped or tubular, with different colors. There are white, blue, yellow, pink, purple, blue, red and burgundy. The root systems of the flower are diverse.

Depending on the species, cornflowers are:

• long branching rhizomes;
• generated by a large number root offspring thickets;
• with a short and strongly branching root forming a curtain;
• with a deep root rod;
• with a thick powerful rhizome.

Cornflower - plant species

In nature, cornflower has species, the number of which is about 500, differing from each other in the shape of the leaves, basket, stem height, color and structure (double or non-double) of flowers and the nature of the root system. The most common and well-known species include the following species.

(Centaurea cyanus) - also has whole line other Russian names, namely: voloshka, blavat, laskutnitsa, blue flower, cyanosis, blue and others. It is a two- or one-year herbaceous plant of the Compositae family, with an upright stem up to 80 cm tall. The leaves are gray-green, alternate, cobweb-woolly. lower leaves- petiolate, and the rest - linear, sessile, entire-extreme. Inflorescences are single baskets located at the ends of the leafless parts of the stems. The plant has very beautiful blue, blue or azure flowers. Blooms from early June to late autumn.

(Centaurea margaritalba) is a perennial plant up to 25 cm tall, with double white flowers collected in inflorescences-baskets 4 cm in diameter. A rare species is listed in the European Red Book.

(Centaurea montana) is the most famous of perennial species. A rhizomatous plant with an ascending stem up to 80 cm tall and whole, oblong-lanceolate leaves of a gray-green color. The marginal flowers are funnel-shaped bright blue or blue, the middle ones are tubular, purple, dark blue or violet-lilac, collected in single large inflorescences-baskets 5-7 cm in diameter.

Yellow cornflower (Centaurea macrocephala) - perennial bush, well holding a cylindrical shape up to 100 cm tall with bright yellow flowers up to 5 cm in diameter and oblong-lanceolate leaves on straight and thick stems.

(Centaurea macrocephala Muss.Puschk. ex Willd.) is a perennial shrub up to 120 cm tall with large, up to 7 cm in diameter, light or bright yellow flowers. The flowering period begins in July and lasts 1.5 months.

(Centaurea orientalis) is a perennial, mostly wild plant from 80 to 120 cm tall, with leaves pinnately divided on long petioles and yellow flowers collected in an inflorescence basket. Known since 1759.

(Centaurea jacea) is a herbaceous perennial plant up to 80 cm tall, completely covered with a grayish or cobweb cover and a hard, ribbed, erect (branched in the upper part) stem. The leaves are alternate lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, the lower ones are located on winged petioles, and the middle and upper ones are sessile. Purple-pink, sometimes white flowers in baskets, located one at the end of the stem and branches. The marginal flowers are large, sterile, funnel-shaped, and the middle ones are tubular. This species is widely distributed in Eurasia.

(Centaurea cyanus L) is a herbaceous, annual plant up to 60 cm tall, with gray-green lanceolate-linear leaves. The upper leaves are entire, while the lower ones are slightly lobed. Single flower baskets are blue or blue, the marginal flowers are funnel-shaped, and the middle ones are tubular. Blooms from May to August.

(Centaurea dealbata Willd.) is a perennial with erect, branched, spreading and leafy stems up to 60 cm tall. One of the most beautiful views with the upper (slightly drooping) leaves of green color, and the lower leaves are white, pinnately dissected, oval in shape on long petioles. Upper - gradually reduced, sessile. Bright pink flowers up to 4 cm in diameter. Blooms from early June to late August.

(Centaurea diffusa) is a biennial, strongly splayed plant from 15 to 50 cm tall, rough and grayish with cobweb hairs. The lower leaves are twice pinnately dissected. The middle ones are pinnately dissected, and the upper ones are solid. Baskets are numerous, small, up to 5 mm wide, singly located. Marginal flowers are sterile, funnel-shaped, pink, pinkish-purple or white. Blooms from June to September.

(Centaurea macrocephala) - herbaceous perennial up to 100 cm tall, with erect, strong, strongly swollen stems under the inflorescences. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate light green. Inflorescences are solitary, large, up to 5 cm in diameter. Pink cornflower blooms from the beginning of July for 1.5 months.

Cornflower garden perennial

When using cornflowers in ornamental gardening, preference is given to perennials, as they are unpretentious, multiply easily and almost do not get sick. Cornflower garden perennial can grow in one place up to 10 years, while it develops well and blooms profusely, without requiring special care.

In flower beds, the plant is used in group plantings. Low-growing species are great for framing flowerbeds, flower beds, mixborders, garden paths and successfully complement the rose bushes. and tall varieties are used as background plants of the second plan.

Cornflower - planting a plant

Planting is carried out in the spring, when the soil warms up. Usually this is the period from late April to mid-May. Cornflower is undemanding to the soil, its planting is allowed in poor and even lime-containing, previously loosened soil. Segments of rhizome with a bud, root offspring, delenki with a segment of rhizome and seedlings are planted. It is important that the distance between seats was at least 50 cm, so that the plant had the opportunity to form a beautiful and regular bush.

After planting, the soil around the seedling is slightly compressed - this technique eliminates empty cavities in the soil and contributes to better rooting of plantings. When planting, the roots must be straightened down and to the sides, and the bud must be at the level of the soil, and for species with a horizontally growing rhizome, a slight (2-3 cm) deepening of the bud into the ground is allowed.

For planting, it is best to choose an open sunny place. Partial shade is also allowed, but in this case the beginning of flowering will shift significantly and the plant will develop worse.

Cornflower - plant propagation

Reproduction occurs by root cuttings, dividing the bush and seeds, which are sown in April at the place of permanent growth, followed by thinning (keeping a distance of 15-20 cm). Also, cornflower reproduces by abundant self-seeding after flowering.

Transplantation and planting can be carried out after flowering (late August - early September). To do this, a bush intended for division is dug up, thoroughly shaken off the ground and the roots are washed with water. Ground shoots are cut off and a part is cut off from the peripheral part of the bush. In such a plot there must be at least 3 buds of the next year. Then the delenka is immediately planted in place, cutting off ground part so that it is no more than 10 cm high from the soil level. Water moderately 3-4 times a week for a month for normal rooting. The plant will bloom profusely next summer.

Annuals. with a taproot, they reproduce only by seeds that are sown in the ground in early May. Shoots will appear in a week. It is better to sow immediately in place, since most annual species do not tolerate transplanting well and may not take root.

Cornflower - growing in the garden

As a rule, cultivation takes place in open field in a well lit sunny position. Cornflower involves growing in free space, so the distance between individuals should be within 20-50 cm, so that as they grow, the seedlings do not obscure each other and do not interfere with the formation of the bush. When growing cornflowers in a group of plants or flower beds, it should be planted on the south side in the first row so that sunlight evenly hits the leaves.

The best, for most varieties, is fertile, neutral acidity and humus-rich soil. But some varieties (Marshall's cornflower, mountain, Russian and musky) prefer alkaline soils.

Moderate watering is necessary, since most types of cornflowers tolerate drought much better than waterlogging.

Cornflower - plant care

The vast majority of species are labor-intensive and light crops, caring for cornflower comes down to periodic loosening of the soil (1-2 times a month), weed removal as needed and moderate watering. To maintain decorativeness and stimulate flowering, it is recommended to remove faded flower stalks, and also, after flowering, remove shoots to the level of the rosette.

Cornflower grown for cutting prefers care with periodic (1 time in 2 weeks) application of complex fertilizers for garden plants during watering.

The culture is practically not affected by pests and diseases, but in rare cases, leaf damage is possible. spider mite, as well as Fusarium disease.

When infected with a tick, the affected leaves are removed, and in case of fusarium, ash is sprinkled and sprayed with foundationazole and topsin-M at a concentration of 0.1%.

Cornflower - plant application

Culture, in addition to gardening, is widely used in areas such as traditional medicine, practical medicine, gynecology and cosmetology.

V traditional medicine infusion is used as a choleretic and diuretic for inflammation of the kidneys and bladder. As a remedy for cough, nephritis, whooping cough, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, uterine bleeding and treatment of the nervous system.

In practical medicine, the culture is used for various eye diseases, cardiovascular diseases, liver and biliary tract, wounds and fractures, skin diseases, gout, rheumatism, polyarthritis and salt deposition, as well as a diuretic.

In gynecology, a decoction and infusion of cornflower normalizes menstrual cycle and is used as a means to enhance lactation.

The ancient Egyptians and ancient Greeks had no idea what kind of flower a cornflower was. The first mention of this flower dates back to the time of Pliny the Elder. This cornflower flower accompanied people in the fields where crops were sown, they decorated their homes during the holidays, various legends were dedicated to it. This blue flower in many countries was one of the most beloved.

Description of the cornflower flower

The flower genus cornflower is very extensive. Let's get acquainted now with a small but voluminous description of the cornflower flower. It has over 800 species worldwide. It can be found in all corners the globe, but most common on the Mediterranean coast.

flower types

Some types of cornflowers like to grow only in certain areas. In Turkey, 180 species of this flowering plant can be found, 109 of which are endemic, that is, those that grow locally. In the Union of Independent States, blue cornflower is considered the most popular, although meadow cornflower, Pannonian cornflower, scabious cornflower, gray cornflower, as well as other types of flower are found in this territory.

Cornflower legends

The generic name of this flower is Centaurea. It means "centaur" in translation. There is a legend that explains the appearance of such a name. One day, Hercules accidentally hit an old centaur Chiron with an arrow. And he was versed in healing and got rid of the wound due to the juice of cornflower.

The second legend about the cornflower tells the story, thanks to which the cornflower began to be called "blue". In ancient times, a beautiful young man lived in the world, who loved this flower very much. He constantly wore wreaths and garlands made of cornflower. One day he was found dead surrounded by these blue flowers. The goddess Flora turned the guy's body into a cornflower, after which this flower began to be called "blue cornflower".

According to the second legend, the cornflower received this color from the sky. Once the sky was angry with the grain field because she did not show gratitude to him. The field replied that the sky was too high, and under no circumstances could it reach the sky to thank for all the good things. Then the sky gave the earth an order that blue flowers should grow in the field along with the ears, resembling the blue of the sky with their color.

The Slavs have their own explanation of the word "cornflower". According to legend, many years ago, a mermaid lived in the world, who loved the grain grower Vasily. Once, after work, he was washing himself with river water, and at that moment a mermaid appeared to him. He also fell in love with her, everything was fine with them, but they could not come to an agreement where they should live. The mermaid did not want to live on earth, and Vasily did not want to go to the water element. The mermaid despaired and turned her lover into a flower, which was supposed to grow in the middle of a grain field and have a blue color, reminding her of the water surface. This is just one description of the cornflower flower. We read the following.

The Germans recognized this flower during the time of Wilhelm I and Queen Louise - his mother. Fighting for the well-being of their family, Louise, her daughter and Wilhelm hid from Napoleonic revenge. One day, a local girl approached them with a basket of blue flowers and offered to buy them. The queen bought flowers and made a wreath for her daughter, which she liked and brought to good location the spirit of the whole family. This fact, as it were, meant that soon everything would be formed and adjusted.

In Germany, the cornflower flower is a symbol of German views on public life, in Belgium it symbolizes freedom, and in France it is a symbol of anti-Semitism. The Germans do not keep this flower in the house, as it is believed that this will cause the bread to start molding. In Ukraine, ending from the vegetable gardens, people celebrate the feast of roasting. From grain ears and petals they weave wreaths and put them on the most beautiful girls. So you learned what a cornflower is.

Several centuries ago, the French believed that if cornflower flowers are insisted on melt water, then you can get the most the best medicine for vision.

The fact that people like to weave wreaths from these flowers has led to the fact that florists specially grow cornflowers and sell them on the eve of various holidays. In such short description you found out today on our website, we hope you liked it. Good luck to you!