Once a common weed of Irish tillage (corn) crops, hence it's name, Corn Cockle is a 'Cornfield Annual'.

We produce this species on our Irish Native Wildflower Seed production crops in Faithlegg, Co Waterford. It is always the first species of the season to be harvested as it grows to a considerably tall height earlier in the summer than most other Irish Native Wildflower Species.

Mixture Specifications

• Perfect for pollinators, creating habitats and food for a wide range of bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
• Species lifecycle: annual species only
• Irish Produced 
• Sowing rate: 1.5-3g per square meter
• Access to light: Requires good access to light
• Optimal sowing period: March to June or August to October
• Flowering Period: May to September

What is an annual species?

An annual species is a plant that completes its entire life cycle—from germination to flowering, seed production, and death—within a single growing season. Unlike perennials, which return year after year, annuals need to be replanted each year.

In the context of meadow seeds, annual species (like Cornflower, Poppy, and Corn Marigold) provide quick bursts of color but won't regrow the following year unless they reseed naturally. They are often included in seed mixes for instant impact while slower-growing perennials establish.

What is a perennial species?

A perennial species is a plant that lives for multiple years, flowering and producing seeds repeatedly after the first year. Unlike annuals, which complete their life cycle in one season, perennials establish deeper root systems and return year after year.

However, perennials do not typically flower in the same year they are planted. They focus on root and foliage growth in their first year, taking at least one, if not two years, to bloom. Once established, perennials such as Oxeye Daisy, Red Campion, and Meadow Buttercup provide long-term, sustainable wildflower displays. They require less maintenance over time and offer lasting benefits for pollinators and biodiversity.