Centaurea montana – Robust mountain cornflower for field and cut bouquets

Centaurea montana, also known as the mountain cornflower, is a robust and versatile cut flower with bright blue flower heads and a natural, wild look. This variety combines robust growth with graceful flowers, making it ideal for field bouquets, cut-flower bouquets, and creative flower arrangements.

Thanks to its sturdy stems and striking blue flowers, Centaurea montana is a favourite with both professional cut flower growers and hobby florists who appreciate a wild, natural style.

Bright blue flowers with a graceful rosette shape

Centaurea montana has intense, bright blue flower heads with an open rosette structure and delicate ray florets. The flowers have a botanical charm and add an airy touch to bouquets.

These properties make the flower ideal for:

• field and picking bouquets with a natural look

• bridal work and ceremonies with blue accents

• botanical and modern flower arrangements

• creative interior decoration and event styling

The bright blue color contrasts beautifully with white, pink or yellow flowers, giving any bouquet a vibrant look.

Strong, long cutting stems

Centaurea montana develops straight, sturdy stems of 60–90 cm, depending on location and care. The stems are robust and can withstand transport, making the flower suitable for professional cut flower growers and wholesalers.

The plant's branching habit produces multiple harvestable stems per season, making the variety profitable for both commercial growers and home gardeners.

Long vase life and versatile applications

Centaurea montana flowers have a vase life of 7–10 days, especially when harvested half-open. They retain their shape and color excellently, making them ideal for:

• picking bouquets and field bouquets

• bridal bouquets and wedding styling

• packages for hotels and events

• natural, wild flower designs

The combination of sturdy stems and airy flower heads makes this variety versatile and aesthetically appealing.

Excellent as a dried flower

Besides fresh uses, Centaurea montana is also excellent for dried flowers. Harvesting the flowers half-open and drying them slowly preserves their color and structure. Dried Centaurea montana is ideal for:

• picking bouquets and field bouquets

• sustainable interior decoration

• boho and prairie style arrangements

• long-lasting flower arrangements

The intense blue hue remains striking and stylish even after drying.

Cultivation advice for optimal cut stems

Centaurea montana 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: 25–30 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 montana?

• Bright blue, airy 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