How to control cornflowers
Perennial cornflower spreads very quickly by means of underground stolons (shoots). To control it in a garden bed, dig up and divide the plants every two years. The plants prefer cool climates and do not grow well in areas with hot, humid summers.
Centaureas will self-seed, but not reliably and not for more than a year or two. It is best to start annuals with fresh seed every year.
Fertilize the plants monthly with a balanced fertilizer or use a slow-release plant food at transplanting time.
Remove spent flowers to keep the plants producing new blooms.
Thanksgiving Garden at Thanksgiving Point is now open, along with a recently completed visitors center. The gardens have been planted with thousands of spring bulbs. A grand opening celebration will be Saturday, April 21.
A class on the care of roses and pruning will be Saturday, April 7, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Davis County Library, North Branch, 562 S. 1000 East, Clearfield. Utah State University advanced master gardener Les Winter will share his expertise. It is part of USU Extension's Saturday Morning gardening classes. For information, call 451-3204. The classes are free.
National Garden Week is April 8-14.