Agrostemma githago
( ag - ros - STEM - uh gih - THAH - goh )
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At-A-Glance InformationCommonly known as Corn Cockle, this annual flowering herbaceous plant needs full sun and moderate water. Take care when planting this flower in your yard, as all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. It is sometimes considered a weed, and is native to the Mediterranean. Several varieties are wonderful plants for gardens, and have a wispy and open habit. Blooms are 2-3 inches wide, and top 6-12 inch stems. They are ideal for cottage gardens and for growing in borders, and are often included in wildflower seed mixes.
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Agrostemma githago Varietals
Agrostemma githago is the best-known species in the genus Agrostemma, which is in the plant family Caryophyllaceae, making it a relative of other flowers like Pink and Carnation. Corn Cockle grows best in zones 1-24. See the species descriptions below for more information. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
'Milas'
Deep purplish to pink blossoms that are lined and spotted with deep purple. Center eye is white. |
'Purple Queen'
Deeper pinkish-purple blooms. |
'Ocean Pearl'
White flowers with black flecks. |
Caring for Agrostemma githago
Agrostemma githago prefers to be planted in soil that is not too rich, and well-draining. They love sunny areas of the garden, though during hot, dry spells they will need additional waterings. Corn Cockle does not need to be pruned, though deadheading will extend the blooming period. Deadheading also prevents these flowers from producing its seeds, which are poisonous.
Propagation
The best way to propagate Corn Cockle is through seed. To harvest seeds from your plant, allow flowers to stay on the plant and form seed pods, which should happen around early fall. Please keep in mind that the seeds of Corn Cockle are poisonous, so handle them with care with gloves on, and ensure that children and pets will not come into contact with them. Release your seeds from the pods, and put them in a container so that you don't misplace any of them. Then, gather your materials. You'll need gloves, a pot or seed tray, potting medium (ideally a rich, loamy soil, but it can be any type), and a spray bottle filled with water. Once you've gathered your materials, follow these instructions:
- About six to eight weeks before your area's last frost of springtime, prepare your pots or seed trays by filling them with soil and watering them to ensure good drainage is occurring. Then, set your seed(s) on top, spaced about 8 inches apart. Cover them with a quarter inch of soil, and spray the soil with your water bottle until it is moist.
- Place your pots or seed tray in an area that will receive bright, indirect light and stays at a temperature of between 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue to monitor your soil for moisture, spraying (and then once the seedlings are large enough, watering) the soil when it gets dry.
- When the last frost of your area has passed in the springtime, plant your seedlings in a sunny area of your garden and follow the care instructions above.
Corn cockle seed pods ready to be harvested.
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Corn cockle seeds.
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Problems and Pests
The main issues with Corn Cockle are that the seeds and some other parts of these plants are poisonous, and that they do self-sow if left to their own devices, so they can become a bit invasive. The plant itself is susceptible to:
- Downy Mildew
Gallery
Corn Cockle is a great wildflower, but can also be grown in more formal gardens.
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Corn cockle flowers have dark lines.
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Agrostemma githago 'Ocean Pearl' planted amongst other flowers can make a great border for your yard.
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Videos
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All about caring for and growing Corn Cockle.
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How to direct-sow Corn Cockle in your garden.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 340, Agrostemma githago (Corn Cockle)
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