The Book of Annuals 123 



* SWEET SULTAN 

 Centaurea moschata 



A straight-growing annual that is valuable chiefly 

 for the large, fragrant flower-heads. Being a centau- 

 rea, it is closely allied to the cornflower {Centaurea 

 cyanus), but the longer stems make it a better flower 

 for cutting. 



In the illustration the large sharp-petalled heads 

 are the sweet sultans; the others are the cyanus va- 

 riety — ragged sailor, cornflower or bachelor's button, 

 as it is called — which are less improved horticultur- 

 ally. 



Start seed indoors early in April and set plants out 

 in May. Or, sow seed outdoors in May. It is better, 

 however, to get an early start so as to enable the 

 plant to .perfect its flowers before very hot weather. 



Color: white, yellow or purple. 

 Height: two feet. 



Period op Bloom : June, through August. 

 Location : any good garden soil ; sun. 



