Bachelor Button (Centaurea cyanus)
Bachelor Buttons are an excellent option for novice gardeners as they are effortless to grow, attract pollinators and have a long blooming season if harvested regularly. These flowers are not only decorative but also edible, with their petals adding a delightful touch to desserts or salads. As a cool-weather plant, they can be planted very early or left to overwinter in a mild climate.
Details
Plant type: annual, re-seeds easily
Height: 30-38”
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 65 - 75 Days
Plant spacing: 2-9"
Kids, Pets and Deer: safe, deer resistant
How to Grow
Direct seed (recommended): Sow seeds 6 seeds per foot, 1/4" deep, as soon as soil can be worked. Cover lightly. Keep soil surface moist until emergence.Thin to 6-9” apart when seedlings have first true leaves.
Transplant: Sow 3-4 weeks before last frost. Grow at 50-55°F (10-12°C) during the night for several weeks to develop a root ball.
Germination:7-14 days at 60-65°F (16-18°C).
Where to plant: Plant in full sun and any soil with good drainage. Bachelor buttons will tolerate poor soil.
Harvest/Vase Life: Cut when flowers are 1/4 to 1/2 open. Expect a vase life of 7 days.