The Information Of Centaurea Cyanus

Centaurea cyanus is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.3 m (1ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from Jun to August, and the seeds ripen from Aug to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, flies, lepidoptera, self.The plant is self-fertile. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. and can grow in very alkaline soils.It cannot grow in the shade.It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
The young shoots are edible. Flowers – raw or cooked. The fresh florets can be used in salads. They are used as a vegetable or a garnish An edible blue dye is obtained from the flowers, used for colouring sugar and confections.Cornflower has a long history of herbal use, though it is seldom employed nowadays. In France it is still used as a remedy for tired eyes, but opinions differ as to its efficacy. Traditionally it is said to work best on blue eyes, whilst Plantago major (great plantain) was used for brown eyes. The dried flowers are antipruritic, antitussive, astringent, weakly diuretic, emmenagogue, ophthalmic, very mildly purgative, and tonic. An infusion can be used in the treatment of dropsy, constipation, or as a mouthwash for ulcers and bleeding gums.
This infusion is also taken as a bitter tonic and stimulant, improving the digestion and possibly supporting the liver as well as improving resistance to infections. A water distilled from the petals was formerly in repute as a remedy for weak eyes and a soothing lotion for conjunctivitis. The seeds are used as a mild laxative for children. A decoction of the leaves is antirheumatic.A blue ink and a dye is obtained from the petals mixed with alum-water. The dye gives a lovely colour to linen, but it is transient. The dried petals are used in pot-pourri in order to add colour. Extracts of the plant are added to hair shampoos and rinses.Succeeds in ordinary garden soil. Prefers a well-drained fertile soil and a sunny position. Tolerates dry, low fertility and alkaline soils. Established plants are drought tolerant.