Corncockle

agrostemma githago

Also known as: ["Corn cockle","Wild oat","Gith"]

Family: Caryophyllaceae Genus: Agrostemma Category: Flowers

Overview

A tall, annual flowering plant with delicate pinkish-purple flowers, historically found in wheat fields but now rare in the wild.

Benefits & Perks

["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Agrostemma
Botanical Name: Agrostemma githago

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed or border in open, sunny areas
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil with moderate organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed during flowering season.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate seedlings gradually to full sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or poor germination indicate poor soil conditions or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plants for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering.

Soil

well-drained, sandy loam with moderate fertility

pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).

Ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogged soil; amend with organic matter if needed.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F/15–24°C); prefers cooler nights.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer

Apply fertilizer after watering; stop feeding when flowering begins; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Seed propagation; direct sow or start indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep.
  2. Keep soil moist.
  3. Thin seedlings to 6–12 inches apart.
  4. Transplant outdoors after hardening off.

Best Time: Spring, after last frost; seeds germinate best in cool soil.

Environment

Cool temperatures (60–65°F/15–18°C), bright light, and consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining seed starting mix or sandy loam.

Hormone

Not required for seeds.

Timeline

Germination in 10–21 days; flowering in 60–90 days.

Tools Needed

Seed trays, soil, water spray bottle, labels.

Quick Tips

Sow thickly as germination can be erratic; keep soil cool and moist; thin seedlings early to prevent overcrowding.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadheading by pinching or cutting spent blooms just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning needed; remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

Tools

Hand pruners or fingers for deadheading.

Checklist

Check for dead or faded flowers; prune carefully; dispose of debris to prevent disease.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

N/A (annual plant).

Pot Size

N/A (annual plant).

Method

N/A (annual plant).

Suggestions

Not typically required; Agrostemma githago is an annual and completes its lifecycle in one season.

Checklist

N/A (annual plant).

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without disturbing the soil surface.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add sand or perlite for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; avoid heavy clay soils.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower bud drop.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf damage or death in prolonged frost.

Solution: Provide frost protection (e.g., row covers); plant in sheltered locations; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced flowering, or premature seed set.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during growing season; avoid contact with roots.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Agrostemma githago can indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or may be a result of water stress, pests, or disease.

Wilting in Agrostemma githago is typically caused by water stress, either due to insufficient watering or root damage from pathogens or pests.

Leaf spots on Agrostemma githago are commonly caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to discoloration, necrosis, and potential defoliation.

Rotting in Agrostemma githago is often associated with fungal infections, particularly in the roots or stem, leading to decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are also susceptible to the toxic effects of Agrostemma githago. The plant's alkaloids can induce severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, posing a significant health risk to felines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression tremors seizures weakness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds leaves stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing this plant. If ingestion occurs, seek veterinary care without delay.
Dogs
Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Agrostemma githago can lead to toxicosis due to the presence of toxic alkaloids. These compounds can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and neurological symptoms, potentially leading to serious health complications.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy tremors seizures difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds leaves stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep dogs away from this plant. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Humans
Toxic

Agrostemma githago, commonly known as corncockle, contains toxic alkaloids that can cause severe physiological effects upon ingestion. The plant's toxic compounds interfere with the nervous system and can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress and other systemic issues.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain dizziness convulsions respiratory failure
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds leaves stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of any part of the plant. Keep away from children and pets. Seek immediate medical attention if poisoning is suspected.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Corncockle safe for pets?

A: No, Corncockle is highly toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Can Corncockle be grown in a garden?

A: Yes, but it is rare and may require specific conditions to thrive.

Q: Does Corncockle have any medicinal uses?

A: Historically, it was used in folk medicine, but it is now considered too toxic for safe use.

Quick Reference
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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