Armenian Basket Flower (Giant Knapweed )
Centaurea macrocephala
 
Armenian Basket Flower is a magnificent perennial that ideal for providing vertical interest in a sunny, well-drained herbaceous border. The golden-yellow shaggy thistle-like blooms are on strong stems and mid-green, lance-shaped leaves are followed by attractive seed heads.
This seldom seen perennial flower produces large quantities of 3 inch thistle-like flowers ( NO thorns!) and are superb in fresh or dried arrangements. Very popular with crafters and dried flower arrangers! Blooms in late spring and summer. Grows 3-4 feet tall. Best for forgotten or hard to reach areas in the garden because established plants are drought resistant and almost indestructible. Flowers attract butterflies and humming birds.
Excellent cut flower
The clump-forming plant has shaggy, thistle-like flowers that are excellent for cutting and drying. Preserve the flower heads for dried arrangements.
 
Details:
Plant life cycle: Perennial
Site: Full sun
Height: 36-48"
Days to germination: 14-28 days
Sow: 1/4" deep
Plant spacng : 24 "
Approx seeds per packet: 50
 
How to grow:
Sowing:  Sow February to May or September to November
Sow seeds in about one month before you want to plant the seedlings outdoors  1/4" deep,  in rows in the flats,  and cover the seeds with 1/2in layer - centaureas need darkness to germinate. Use a fine spray to moisten the top.Cover the containers with clear plastic to keep the mix moist while the seeds are germinating and place in a warm location, around 70°F. Germination of perennial cornflowers takes 3 to 4 weeks. When the seedlings emerge, remove the plastic covers and put the pots in a sunny location or under grow-lights. Water as needed to keep the mix moist (not soggy). When seedlings are about 2in tall and have at least one pair of true leaves, snip off all but the strongest plant in each pot at soil level.Fertilise the seedlings once while they are growing indoors with a weak water-soluble fertiliser.
Germination of perennial cornflowers takes 3 to 4 weeks. 
When the seedlings emerge, remove the plastic covers and put the pots in a sunny location or under grow-lights. Water as needed to keep the mix moist (not soggy).  
When seedlings are about 5cm (2in) tall and have at least one pair of true leaves, snip off all but the strongest plant in each pot at soil level.  Fertilise the seedlings once while they are growing indoors with a weak water-soluble fertiliser.
 
Plant Uses:  
Flowers Borders and Beds, Patio/Container Plants, Wildflower Gardens or Wildlife Gardens Cut or Dried Flower. Bee plant, First Year Flowering
 
How to harvest:
Cut the blooms in early morning when they are half open and strip the lower leaves from the stems.
To dry, pick them in late morning or in the afternoon. Select flowers that have just opened or they will drop their petals when dry.
Air-dry the flowers: tie in bunches and hang upside down in an airy, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks.
 
Vase life:
Freshly cut blooms last 5 to 7 days