{"product_id":"mr-fothergills-cornflower-black-ball-seeds","title":"Mr Fothergill's Cornflower Black Ball Seeds","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"200\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"47\"\u003eMr Fothergill’s Cornflower Black Ball Seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e produce rich, deep claret blooms that add dramatic contrast and classic cottage garden charm, while also supporting pollinators and beneficial wildlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"202\" data-end=\"205\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"207\" data-end=\"223\"\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"224\" data-end=\"509\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"224\" data-end=\"279\"\u003eDeep claret-coloured flowers for bold visual impact\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"280\" data-end=\"330\"\u003eHardy annual that is easy to grow and reliable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"331\" data-end=\"385\"\u003eIdeal for cottage gardens, borders and cut flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"386\" data-end=\"431\"\u003eHighly attractive to bees and butterflies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"432\" data-end=\"470\"\u003eRHS Plants for Pollinators variety\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"471\" data-end=\"509\"\u003eFlowers in the same year as sowing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"511\" data-end=\"514\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"516\" data-end=\"539\"\u003eProduct Description\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"540\" data-end=\"1194\"\u003eMr Fothergill’s Cornflower Black Ball (\u003cem data-start=\"579\" data-end=\"597\"\u003eCentaurea cyanus\u003c\/em\u003e) is a striking and unusual variety, producing intensely coloured blooms in a rich claret shade rather than true black. This traditional cottage garden favourite adds depth and contrast when planted alongside lighter-coloured flowers. Easy to grow and quick to establish, Black Ball cornflowers thrive in a wide range of conditions and flower freely throughout summer. Their nectar-rich blooms attract bees and butterflies, while the seed heads can also provide food for birds later in the season. With long stems and strong colour, they are excellent for cutting and informal floral arrangements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1196\" data-end=\"1199\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1201\" data-end=\"1219\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1220\" data-end=\"1704\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1220\" data-end=\"1246\"\u003eBrand: Mr Fothergill’s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1247\" data-end=\"1277\"\u003eProduct type: Flower seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1278\" data-end=\"1316\"\u003eBotanical name: \u003cem data-start=\"1296\" data-end=\"1314\"\u003eCentaurea cyanus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1317\" data-end=\"1345\"\u003eGenus: Annuals \/ Bedding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1346\" data-end=\"1375\"\u003ePlant class: Hardy annual\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1376\" data-end=\"1412\"\u003eFlower colour: Deep claret \/ red\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1456\"\u003ePlant height: Approximately 75cm (30in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1457\" data-end=\"1481\"\u003eHabit: Bushy, medium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1482\" data-end=\"1517\"\u003eSituation: Sun or partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1518\" data-end=\"1559\"\u003eSuitable for: Borders and cut flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1560\" data-end=\"1634\"\u003eWildlife attraction: Bees and butterflies (RHS Plants for Pollinators)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1635\" data-end=\"1663\"\u003eSeed quantity: 250 seeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1664\" data-end=\"1704\"\u003eFlowers \/ Harvest: July to September\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1706\" data-end=\"1709\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1711\" data-end=\"1735\"\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1736\" data-end=\"2022\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1736\" data-end=\"1800\"\u003eSow directly outdoors from March to May for summer flowering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1801\" data-end=\"1881\"\u003eAutumn sowings from August to October give earlier blooms the following year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1882\" data-end=\"1935\"\u003eGrow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1936\" data-end=\"1978\"\u003eThrives even in poorer or chalky soils\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1979\" data-end=\"2022\"\u003eDeadhead regularly to prolong flowering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2024\" data-end=\"2027\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2029\" data-end=\"2072\"\u003eWhy Choose Cornflower Black Ball Seeds?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2073\" data-end=\"2326\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eIdeal for gardeners seeking dramatic colour with classic cottage garden appeal, Mr Fothergill’s Cornflower Black Ball Seeds offer easy growing, pollinator-friendly blooms and excellent cut flowers - perfect for adding depth and contrast to summer borders.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mr Fothergills","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57074113577344,"sku":"30231418","price":3.19,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0762\/3570\/2578\/files\/mr-fothergills-cornflower-black-ball-seeds.jpg?v=1768409360","url":"https:\/\/oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk\/products\/mr-fothergills-cornflower-black-ball-seeds","provider":"Old Railway Line Garden Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}