I caught the "growing from seed" bug this winter (using lights) and tried my hand at some direct sowing as well.

I've determined that my preferred method is definitely indoor sowing due to the greater germination rate. However, I did direct sow some Purple Queen Corn Cockle (AKA Agrostemma Githago) in early spring. They finally began to bloom but several of the flowers never fully unfolded/emerged. The buds stay quite closed and small. I have them in a shaded area...is this why? I even cut some and placed the stems in some water in a sunny spot hoping they would finish blooming...no such luck.

I really love the flower though, they are so graceful and dainty. I just love the look of the willowy stems in vase arrangements.

Hoping grow a whole lot more of these darlings in the future.

I plan on planting the seedlings in the fall and covering them while they winter over.

Has anyone had success indoor sowing corn cockle?

Have you had success with them in full sun?

How do you cut these since they are really just one long stem and the flowers don't all bloom at the same time?

I'm in zone 7 by the way, in sandy soil at the Jersey Shore.