Annuals Dictionary: Agrostemma
Pink family
Caryophyllaceae
A-gro-stem’ma. A small genus containing 3 species of annual herbs, native to the Mediterranean region. The seeds are poisonous, and the plants grow as weeds in grain fields.
Description
Leaves opposite and entire. Flowers solitary, with 5 petals.
How to Grow
Sow seeds outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked, and space 12 in. (30 cm) apart. For earlier bloom, start indoors. Prefers cool weather.
Agrostemma Githago
Corn Cockle . 1-3 ft. (30-90 cm) high. Flowers magenta-purple, solitary, 1 in. (2.5 cm) wide; petals traced with dotted line. E. Mediterranean. The cultivar ‘Milas’ has rosy-purple flowers, to 3 in. (7.5 cm) wide. Half-hardy annual.