A trip to a Dutch farm to pick your own cornflowers is a brilliant excuse to get your hands a little dirty. Forget boring bouquets from the supermarket—from June to September (with a peak in July and August) you get to wander through rows of electric blue, like pieces of sky that fell to earth and decided to stay. The petals are soft and slightly ruffled, but they bruise easily, so handle the flowers gently and don’t crush them in your basket. You’ll find yourself laughing as you try to decide which shade of blue is the most blue, and before you know it, your basket looks like a Van Gogh painting in progress.

Bring the kids, bring your granny, or bring a friend who’s never held a flower stem in their life. Pro tip: go in the early morning or late afternoon, pick flowers that are fully open but not yet fading, cut the stems long with sharp scissors, and bring a little water in a bucket for the ride home.

Back Home: What to do with your cornflowers

Cornflowers are edible, cheerful, and surprisingly versatile. Only the petals are used in the kitchen; the small central disc is bitter. Rinse the petals gently just before use and pat them dry.

For decoration:
Trim the stems at an angle, strip the leaves below the waterline and pop them in a simple vase with fresh water; change the water daily. For a dreamy table centerpiece, mix them with white daisies and some mint from the garden. Or dry them upside down (tied in small bunches) for a rustic, long-lasting wreath or to add to handmade soap. You can even press a few between heavy books to preserve that perfect blue for a scrapbook card.

A simple cornflower tea recipe:
Yes, you can drink them! Cornflower tea is gentle, slightly sweet, and the color is a showstopper—like a magical potion from a fairy tale.
Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon fresh cornflower petals (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • Honey or lemon to taste (optional)

How to:
Place the petals in a cup, pour over the boiling water, and let steep for 5-7 minutes. Strain (or just fish out the petals with a spoon). Sip it hot, or chill it over ice for a refreshing summer drink. It’s caffeine-free, so perfect for a cozy evening.