Although they are mostly grown as annual plants, they can self-seed and imitate perennials, but only in warmer zones. In colder places, with harsh winters they won’t grow on their own. 

The plant has tall upright, slim stems with small narrow leaves. They are very fragile so the wind will break them easily. Depending on the variety they will grow from 30cm to 90cm (1-3ft). The taller varieties will undoubtedly need support. They will spread from 15 to 30cm (6″ to 1′) and give out many flowers. The most popular color is blue, but they can be white, red, purple, bicolor and pink. Some varieties can have double-flowered heads.     

Cornflowers are sown in early spring. The end of March or beginning of April is a perfect time for start, if the conditions are still too cold then they can be started in pots 4-6 weeks before the season, although they prefer direct sowing. In countries with no frost, they can be sown in the autumn.

They prefer mildly acidic soil, but they will grow in a neutral or even slightly alkaline environment. They love the heat and enjoy the full-time sun. Still, if you live in very hot places they will prefer the semi-shade to the full sun. If they are exposed to a scorching sun they will start to dry at the bottom and stop producing flowers. Also if they are in too shady place they will fall over and start to crawl instead of normal growth.

The soil should be well-drained and watered periodically. 

Cornflowers are perfect for meadow-looking gardens, cottages, meadow, and cutting gardens. They are deer and drought tolerant so they can be sown in wild parts of the garden. There is also no need to treat them for any diseases, still, aphids can infect them if they are surrounded by infected plants. 

Cornflower will be the perfect addition to the gardens that have poppies and daisies and will be a great contrast to red and white flowers.