Centaurea cyanus 'Red Boy' – Intense red cut flower for cut flowers and field bouquets

Centaurea cyanus 'Red Boy' is a striking and vibrant cut flower, known for its intense red flower heads. This variety combines the classic elegance of cornflowers with vibrant color, making it an excellent choice for cut bouquets, field bouquets, and creative flower arrangements.

'Red Boy' offers florists and cut flower growers a reliable and colorful flower with long stems and sturdy spikes, suitable for both fresh and dried bouquets.

Intense red flowers with a graceful rosette shape

Red Boy's flowers consist of open, rosette-shaped flower heads with delicate ray florets that create a natural, airy look. The rich red color ranges from bright crimson to ruby, adding a vibrant and striking touch to any bouquet.

These features make Red Boy ideal for:

• field and picking bouquets

• bridal work with red accents

• romantic and playful flower arrangements

• botanical styling for events and interiors

The red flowers create a powerful contrast with blue, white or pink cut flowers and add visual impact to any arrangement.

Strong, long cutting handles for professional use

Centaurea cyanus 'Red Boy' develops straight, sturdy stems of 60–90 cm, depending on location and care. The stems are robust and resistant to transport, making the flower ideal for large-scale production and commercial distribution.

The branched growth of the plant means it produces multiple harvestable stems per season, providing a reliable harvest for both small florists and professional growers.

Long vase life and versatile applications

Red Boy flowers have a vase life of 7–10 days, especially when harvested half-open. The flower heads retain their shape and color excellently, making them perfect for:

• picking bouquets and field bouquets

• bridal bouquets and wedding styling

• packages for hotels and events

• colorful, striking flower creations

The combination of sturdy stems and airy flower heads makes Red Boy versatile and attractive in any bouquet.

Excellent as a dried flower

Besides fresh use, Red Boy is an excellent choice for dried flowers. By harvesting the flowers half-open and drying them slowly, the red color remains vibrant and the flower heads retain their shape. Dried Red Boy is ideal for:

• picking bouquets and field bouquets

• sustainable interior decoration

• boho and prairie style arrangements

• long-lasting flower arrangements

The intense red colour remains an attractive accent even after drying in combinations with neutral or pastel shades.

Cultivation advice for optimal cut stems

Red Boy grows best in full sun in well-drained, fertile soil.

Important cultivation points:

• Sowing: February–April under glass or directly outside from April

• Plant out: after the last frost

• Planting distance: 20–25 cm for strong stems and good air circulation

• Soil: well-drained, light and nutritious

• Water: regular but moderate; no wet feet

• Nutrition: Light fertilization encourages strong stems and flowers

• Support: optional for long stems or windy conditions

• Harvest: when the flowers are half to almost fully open

Regular harvesting promotes new flowering and extends the harvest period.

Why choose Centaurea cyanus 'Red Boy'?

• Intense red, striking flower heads

• Long, sturdy cutting stems (60–90 cm)

• Long vase life of 7–10 days

• Perfect for fresh and dried flower creations

• Uniform and robust growth

• Ideal for field bouquets, cut bouquets and bridal work

• Reliable and easy to grow