Glebionis segetum

Sowing and care guidance

Glebionis segetum seeds thrive in full sun and well-drained, light to moderately fertile soil, tolerating poorer ground. Direct-sow onto a fine, weed-free seedbed after the last frost; in mild climates, autumn sowing can overwinter for an earlier display. Sow shallowly, keep evenly moist until established, and avoid overfeeding. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding and promote airflow, following packet spacing guidance for this medium-height annual. Water during dry spells, but allow the soil to drain freely. For a longer succession, make small sowings at intervals, and remove spent blooms to extend flowering. This adaptable plant is suited to borders or containers where drainage is reliable and sun is abundant.

• Direct-sow after last frost; in mild climates, autumn sowing may give earlier blooms; succession sow for a longer display.
• Grow in well-drained, light to moderately fertile soil; tolerates poorer soils and minimal feeding.
• Thin to maintain airflow; avoid crowding and follow packet spacing guidance.
• Container suitable: performs well in deep, free-draining pots placed in full sun.
• Pollinator friendly: often visited by bees and other pollinating insects when in bloom.
• Ornamental: valued for a bright, seasonal display of cheerful flowers.

How do I grow Glebionis segetum from seed?

Glebionis segetum seeds are best direct-sown where they are to flower. Prepare a fine, weed-free surface, water the area, then sow thinly in shallow drills or broadcast and barely cover with soil (just a dusting). Keep evenly moist until seedlings establish, then thin gradually for good airflow. As a hardy annual, it dislikes root disturbance, but you can start a few in modules and transplant gently before roots knit. Flowering typically follows in summer from spring sowings, and plants may self-seed if spent blooms are left to set seed.

When should I sow corn marigold outdoors?

Sow outdoors after the last frost when soil is workable. In mild climates, an autumn sowing is possible for earlier displays the following season. For a long succession of flowers, repeat sowings every few weeks through late spring in cool periods, pausing in hot, dry spells. Avoid waterlogged or very cold ground; steady moisture and moderate temperatures support reliable germination and sturdy growth.

What soil and sun are best for Glebionis segetum?

Plant in full sun for the strongest stems and most blooms. A well-drained, light to moderately fertile soil suits it best, including sandy or loamy ground; it tolerates poorer soils better than heavy, rich mixes. Overly fertile conditions can produce lush, floppy growth with fewer flowers. Work in coarse grit or organic matter to improve drainage if needed, avoid overfeeding, and water regularly during establishment while allowing the surface to dry slightly between waterings.

How tall does Glebionis segetum get, and what spacing suits it?

This is a medium-height annual, typically reaching about 40–60 cm depending on soil, moisture, and exposure. In richer soils it can grow taller and may need discreet support in windy sites. After germination, thin seedlings in stages to roughly 20–30 cm apart so plants have space to bush out and so air can circulate, which helps keep foliage healthy and flowers clean. Avoid crowding; following packet guidance for your seed lot is sensible.

Is corn marigold good for pollinators?

Yes. The open, daisy-like blooms offer easily accessible pollen and nectar that attract a range of beneficial insects such as bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. Planting in sunny, drift-like patches and staggering sowings through the season can provide a more continuous resource, especially valuable when combined with other single-flowered annuals.

What’s the difference between corn marigold (Glebionis segetum) and calendula?

Although both are cheerful, yellow-orange daisies grown as hardy annuals, Glebionis segetum (corn marigold) bears bright, chrome-yellow single flowers on branching, wiry stems with smooth, often bluish-green leaves that can clasp the stem, while Calendula officinalis (pot marigold) commonly has slightly sticky, faintly aromatic, softly hairy leaves and a wider range of flower forms and colours, including doubles. Seed shapes also differ: corn marigold produces small, slender achenes, whereas calendula seeds are larger and curved. Their growing needs are similar, but calendula tolerates richer soils a little better.

This growing guidance is compiled from supplier specifications and horticultural references and is intended as a general overview. Conditions vary by microclimate, soil type, and seasonal patterns, so timing and techniques may need adjustment. For precise, variety-specific directions, refer to the instructions provided on the relevant product page, which reflect the characteristics of that seed or plant. Availability, naming, and compliance details follow the documentation supplied by producers.

Sowing and Care for Corn Marigold

Glebionis segetum (corn marigold) is an easy annual with bright, daisy-like blooms. Sow direct where it is to flower once the soil is workable and the risk of frost has passed; in mild climates, autumn sowing can establish seedlings for earlier displays the following season. Choose a sunny, well-drained site with poor to moderately fertile soil. Scatter seed thinly, press into the surface or cover very lightly (no more than a few millimetres), and keep evenly moist through germination, which typically occurs in 1–3 weeks at moderate temperatures. Thin seedlings to 20–30 cm to allow airy growth 30–60 cm tall. This species dislikes root disturbance, so direct sowing is preferred over transplanting. Water sparingly once established and avoid high-nitrogen feeding, which encourages excess foliage. Deadhead to extend flowering, or leave some heads to set seed if naturalised self-sowing is desired. Suitable for meadow-style plantings and pollinator-friendly borders. Seed provenance and selection information: SeedsChoice.