Summer is almost upon us, and so is the wedding season. If you'd ask Maurits Keppel what should not be missing in your bouquets in the coming weeks, it's the cornflower. And you know what? He has them for you, organically grown. Here's all you need to know about the what, when, and how.
Centaurea, a.k.a. Cornflower
There’s something quietly confident about a grower who doesn’t shout for attention but just lets the flowers do the talking. Maurits Keppel is one of those growers. Based in the Netherlands, Maurits has made a name for himself by sticking to his organic guns. Every stem he grows is SKAL-certified, and he’s not budging on that. This week, he’s bringing Centaurea — better known as cornflower — into the picture, and florists might want to take note.
"I seeded them before winter," says Maurits, referring to his latest batch of Centaurea. "They’re coming out of the cold greenhouse now." That little detail might sound minor, but it means the flowers have grown slowly and steadily through the colder months, resulting in strong, healthy stems.
For the next three to four weeks, florists can expect a steady supply of blue and red cornflowers from Maurits’ fields. After that, he’s gearing up for the wedding season rush with white, soft pink, and — yes — more blue. "Blue is the main color of Centaurea because it grows the easiest, so it’s always in the mix," he explains.
And it’s not just about availability. Maurits is all about quality and consistency. He’ll be sending out stems that are around 80 cm tall, with the top flower fully open. "The side flowers will open at the florist’s shop or later in the vase," he adds. That’s the kind of detail florists appreciate: a flower that keeps performing after it’s left the auction or the wholesaler.
Built to Last — And to Dry
Let’s talk shelf life. Cornflowers from Maurits aren’t just pretty in the short term; they’ve got staying power. They’re known for lasting a good while in the vase, and once they do fade, you don’t have to toss them right away.
"They dry really well after blooming," Maurits says. That makes them perfect for florists looking to extend the life of their stock, or for those building mixed bouquets that lean into that wild, natural look, even in dried form.
Why Florists Should Care
With a million flower varieties to choose from, you might wonder: why Centaurea? Why now? Maurits has a straight answer: "The flower has a beautiful, natural look. It has a strong color that you can enjoy for a long time." And it’s not just any color. The blue in particular has that slightly old-fashioned charm — a bit nostalgic, but with a clean, modern twist when paired right.
And then there’s the organic factor. "These flowers, like all my flowers, are grown organically," says Maurits. "That’s especially important for the conscious trader, florist, and consumer."
It’s a point he doesn’t make lightly. In a market still dominated by conventional growing practices, Maurits is carving out a space for growers who want to do things differently — and for florists who care about where their stems come from.
A Quiet Revival
Cornflowers have had their moments in the spotlight — and then quietly slipped back into the wings. But over the last few seasons, there’s been a growing love for flowers that feel a bit more natural, a bit less forced. Centaurea fits right into that vibe. They’re not trying too hard. They just work — especially in hand-tied bouquets, wildflower mixes, or even just dropped casually in a jar on a sunny windowsill.
They also carry a bit of countryside romance. Blue cornflowers in particular have that slightly rustic, summer-meadow energy that’s making a comeback in wedding florals. They offer structure without stiffness, movement without chaos.
Maurits's cornflowers have been used in quite some extraordinary ways already, like as decorations during the recent King's Day in the Netherlands. "They were served on top of a dish at a festival celebrating the birthday of the Dutch monarch. My cornflowers are perfectly edible, especially since they're organically grown," Maurits winks.
Planning Ahead
For florists thinking a few weeks ahead, Maurits’ May and June production will be right on time for peak wedding season. If your clients are into sustainable flowers — or even if they just want something that feels a little more local and less “flown in” — these Centaurea are worth putting on your list.
He’s already scheduled the waves of color: the classic blue, plus soft pinks and whites that are practically made for romantic arrangements. And thanks to their strong stems and good vase life, they’re also handy for installations, larger pieces, and bouquets that need to travel well.
Maurits Keppel isn’t chasing trends. He’s just growing good flowers, the organic way — and making them available to florists who care about that kind of thing. This new batch of Centaurea isn’t just a seasonal blip. It’s part of a bigger movement toward flowers that don’t just look good, but feel good to sell and use. Ones that come with a story you can tell your customers, a name you can trust, and a grower who’s quietly changing the game.
Want in? Keep an eye on the clocks and stocks this week. Maurits’ blue and red cornflowers are about to land.
All photos courtesy of Maurits Keppel.
