Corn Marigold Seeds (Glebionis segetum)

A radiant annual wildflower, bearing golden daisy‑like blooms that brighten meadows, field margins, and pollinator strips through summer and early autumn. Once a common companion of cereal crops, it is now a delightful botanical throwback, easy to grow and wonderful for pollinator life.

Key Features:

• Compact, upright, providing vertical interest without dominating
• Rich in pollen and nectar, making it especially attractive to bees, hoverflies, and butterflies
• Hardy, fast-flowering, and forgiving of conditions, ideal as an annual companion
• Sowing helps restore wildflower heritage lost from many agricultural landscapes
• Approx. 600 seeds per 1g

Corn marigold (Glebionis segetum) is an annual species, typically reaching 20 to 50 cm in height. Its slender stems carry narrow leaves and bear single, cheerful yellow daisy‑type blooms from early summer onwards. The petals form a sunny halo around a central disc, and each bloom lasts several days, replenished by successive flowering over the season. As an annual, its lifecycle completes in one year: after flowering and seed set, the plant dies, leaving seed to regenerate the next season.

In the wild historically, corn marigold grew alongside cereal crops, carried in seed mixes or via spilt grain, its decline largely parallels more intensive seed cleaning and modern agricultural practices. The seed is suited to well-drained soils in full sun, with less tolerance for heavy shade or overly rich soils. As its seed is small and relatively short-lived in the soil, it responds best when sown freshly in open, bare or lightly disturbed ground. In meadow, verge or wildflower schemes, it lends early vertical accent and a flush of yellow before taller perennials dominate.

Corn marigold can be sown in either spring (March through May) or early autumn (August to October). Autumn sowing may allow a head start in the following year, but many growers prefer spring sowing to reduce losses from winter gullies or frost heave.

First, prepare a clean, weed‑free, fine seedbed by removing existing vegetation, lightly raking, and firming the surface. Broadcast the seed over the soil surface, then gently press or roll to ensure contact, avoid burying more than 2–3 mm deep, as light aids germination. Keep the seedbed damp through the germination period, which often takes two to four weeks depending on soil warmth and moisture.

As the plants grow, they generally require little additional care; they appreciate full sun and moderate moisture but are relatively tolerant of dry spells once established. After flowering, the plants complete their life cycle. If you wish to encourage a second flush, allow some seed to mature and disperse; alternatively, dead‑heading before full seed release can prevent unwanted self-seeding.

For garden applications direct sow at 1g/m2. For overseeding existing meadow planting or for new sowings on larger areas sow at a maximum of 2g/m2.

Corn marigold is ideally sited in wildflower margins, open field edges, cornfield‑style annual strips, and habitat corridors. Its bright yellow flowers draw bees, hoverflies, beetles and butterflies, providing a welcome burst of pollen and nectar in the season. In addition to supporting pollinators, the slender stems and leaves offer perching points or habitat structure for smaller insects. The presence of corn marigold helps reconnect landscapes with the botanical tapestry of traditional agricultural flora.

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Garden lawn seed, wildflower seeds, and wildflower seed mixtures are typically dispatched within 1 to 3 working days.

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Q1: Will Corn Marigold self-seed year after year?

A: It can self-seed, but its seed tends to persist poorly in the soil over many seasons. For reliable presence, periodic re‑sowing or allowing fresh seed to fall in suitable conditions works best.

Q2: Does Corn Marigold tolerate partial shade?

A: It performs best in full sun; in shaded conditions flowering may be weak or reduced. To maximize blooms place in sunny open ground.

Q3: How tall does Corn Marigold grow?

A: Typically between 20 and 50 cm, though in rich soils or good conditions it may reach a little more. Its openness ensures it integrates well with surrounding plants.

Q4: What is the flowering season?

A: Corn Marigold usually blooms from June through to September or October, depending on sowing date and seasonal conditions.