Plant guide

Corn Cockle.

Agrostemma githago

Pronounced a-gro-STEM-uh GITH-uh-go

Also known as Common corncockle, Corncockle, Purple cockle

The corn cockle is a charming, old fashioned wildflower that adds a touch of rustic beauty to any garden. It produces lovely, trumpet shaped flowers in shades of pink and purple. These annuals are quite easy to grow from seed and attract plenty of pollinators.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Annual wildflower
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 3 feet
Growth rate: Fast

Care

Sow seeds directly into the garden in autumn or early spring where they will receive plenty of sun. Keep an eye out for aphids or mildew if the weather stays damp for too long. Deadhead spent blooms if you want to prevent them from self seeding throughout your beds.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: These plants generally do not require supplemental fertilizer if grown in decent garden soil.
Pruning: Remove faded flowers to keep the plant tidy and encourage more blooms.
Repotting: As an annual, this plant completes its life cycle in one season and does not require repotting.
Soil: Well draining, loamy soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5

Safety

Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, as it contains saponins that can cause digestive distress.

How to identify it

Slender, hairy, upright stems
Narrow, linear, opposite leaves
Showy, five petaled pink flowers
Dark purple spots on petals
Large, papery, persistent calyx lobes

Science

Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Agrostemma
Order: Caryophyllales
Class: Magnoliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Is your corn cockle looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.