Why is my blue cornflower wilting?

[WildThongsHeartString]

I planted it about 6 weeks ago. Initially it seemed to be doing well, got a few more stems and buds. All of a sudden the new leaves have curled, the stems are all twisted and misshaped and the original leaves have dried up and gone brown - they crumble to dust if I touch them. Poor thing looks like it has been poisoned! What's gone wrong?

water.....? Its been pretty hot recently.

Possible. Actually likely It is in a really dry place. I think I did let it dry out.
If I give it tlc and lots of water can I rescue it?

water will rescue it to a certain extent but will not bring back the crumbled leaves.

Thanks for that! Ill be happy if it survives to come back next year

cornflowers are annuals. It won't come back next year, Although it may seed itself.