{"product_id":"cornflower","title":"Cornflower","description":"\u003cp\u003eA hardy, easy-to-grow annual known for its striking blue flowers and ability to thrive in low-maintenance garden spaces. Blooming throughout the summer, this drought-tolerant plant self-seeds readily, making it a reliable addition to wildflower gardens, cottage gardens, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe edible petals bring a pop of colour and a mild, slightly sweet flavour to salads, teas, and baked goods. A favourite for both pollinators and cut flower arrangements, cornflower is as practical as it is beautiful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere Can You Grow Cornflower?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCornflower thrives in \u003cstrong\u003eZones 3-9\u003c\/strong\u003e, preferring \u003cstrong\u003efull sun and well-drained soil\u003c\/strong\u003e. It grows well in \u003cstrong\u003emeadow plantings, herb gardens, and raised beds\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it a great addition to both structured and wild garden designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to Europe and Asia, cornflower has long been cultivated for its medicinal, culinary, and ornamental uses. Traditionally, it was used to soothe eye irritation and add colour to natural remedies. Today, it remains a staple in herbal teas, edible flower blends, and decorative bouquets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZones 8-9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow in autumn or early spring for early blooms.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZones 5-7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start seeds indoors in late winter or direct sow in spring after the last frost.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZones 3-4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow in spring or mulch heavily to protect young plants over winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Cornflower\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds \u003cstrong\u003e3mm (1\/8in) deep\u003c\/strong\u003e, spacing plants \u003cstrong\u003e20-30cm (8-12in) apart\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep soil \u003cstrong\u003elightly moist\u003c\/strong\u003e until seedlings establish; drought-tolerant once mature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePick \u003cstrong\u003eflowers regularly\u003c\/strong\u003e to encourage extended blooming.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePluck petals for fresh use in \u003cstrong\u003esalads and teas\u003c\/strong\u003e or dry for later use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow some plants to \u003cstrong\u003eself-seed naturally\u003c\/strong\u003e for next year’s growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAllow to Flower and Seed:\u003c\/strong\u003e Let some plants mature to \u003cstrong\u003eproduce dried seed heads\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Once seed heads dry and turn brown, collect before they disperse naturally.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDry and Clean:\u003c\/strong\u003e Remove seeds from husks and spread them on a towel to \u003cstrong\u003efully dry\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStore:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep seeds in an \u003cstrong\u003eairtight container\u003c\/strong\u003e in a cool, dark place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for \u003cstrong\u003eup to 3 years\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52198408978729,"sku":"MF-FLOWER-010","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0747\/6225\/6681\/files\/Cornflower_9f856e02-f454-49c8-96e5-adf1a6c5911a.jpg?v=1764456975","url":"https:\/\/konnichiwa.ca\/products\/cornflower","provider":"こんにちはマート | KON NICHIWA MART","version":"1.0","type":"link"}