Greetings, dedicated caretaker. I am your cornflower, a being of sun-drenched fields now thriving under your roof. To help us both flourish, here is the care schedule I need from my perspective, through the turning of the seasons.
As the sun strengthens and days lengthen, I feel a surge of energy. My roots stir in the soil, demanding more water and nutrients to fuel my new growth. Please increase your watering frequency, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between drinks. I crave bright, direct light for at least six hours a day; a south-facing window is my ideal sunbathing spot. This is also the perfect time to repot me if I seem root-bound and to provide a balanced, liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks to support the development of my foliage and future buds.
This is my moment to shine! I am channeling all my energy into producing the vibrant blue (or other colored) blooms you love. My thirst is at its peak, so consistent watering is crucial. I may even need water daily during intense heat waves, but always check my soil first—soggy roots are my nightmare. Continue fertilizing me monthly to sustain this spectacular show. Please deadhead my spent flowers; this tells me to produce more blooms instead of wasting energy on seed production.
The light is softening, and my internal clock tells me the growing season is ending. You can gradually reduce watering as my growth slows. Please stop fertilizing me now; I need to harden off and prepare for rest, not push tender new growth. If you wish to collect my seeds for next year, leave a few of my best flower heads to mature and dry out on the stem. Otherwise, you can continue deadheading to encourage a few final, precious blooms.
I am not dead, merely sleeping. I require a period of cool rest to gather strength for next spring's cycle. Place me in a cool, bright room with temperatures ideally between 50-60°F (10-15°C). Water me very sparingly, just enough to prevent my soil from becoming dust-dry and my roots from completely desiccating. Do not fertilize me at all during this time. Let me rest, and observe me for any signs of pests who favor indoor winter conditions.
