Dec 082009
Flower Seed Head Seed
Zone 3-9 Hardy Great Prairie Flower Heritage Perennial 
Full Sun
3-4 Feet 
2 Feet Attracts 
Butterflies 
Bees 
Birds
Blooms in Mid Summer/ Fall - Each yellow flower blooms for 2-3 Weeks
Asteraceae Family – Originating in Armenia – Great for the back of borders
Some other known names include Yellow Hardhat, Lemon Fluff, Basket Flower, Giant Knapweed, Great Golden Knapweed, Globe Centaurea, Golden Thistle, Globe Coneflower and Big Head Knapweed.
Centaurea Macrocephala is an excellent ornamental 
cut flower for fresh or dried arrangements. The base of the flower resembles a pinecone, artichoke or wicker basket.
Harvesting your own seeds from Centaurea Macrocephala is easy. Direct sow after the last frost in the Spring. Sow half inch deep in well drained soil.
The Centaurea buds seem either too early or too late to collect seeds. If collected early, the seeds are green; if later the buds burst and dropp all seeds. How do I tell whne they are ready? R.W.
Hi Ruth
Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. Time sure flies sometimes. I have collected seeds from this plant 2 years in a row. This spring I tested the seeds from both years and had no problem germinating them. I collect the seeds when the flower dries out and looks like the middle image above.
I have lots of seeds and would be happy to do a trade if you like.
Thanks
Sherrie