Bachelor's button plants are annual flowering plants in the genus Centaurea that are native to Eurasia. They are also known as cornflowers, and feature small, daisy-like flowers in shades of blue, pink, white, and purple. The flowers have a long vase life, making them popular for cut flower arrangements. Bachelor's button plants are easy to grow from seed, and can be planted in the garden or in containers. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and will bloom from early summer until the first frost.
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Bachelors buttons (Centaurea cyanus) are annual plants. |
| USDA Zone | Bachelor's buttons (Centaurea cyanus) are hardy in USDA zones 3-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Bachelor's buttons (Centaurea cyanus) are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 28. |
| Days to harvest | Bachelor's buttons (Centaurea cyanus) typically take around 60-70 days to reach maturity and be ready for harvest. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown bachelors button plant is about 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Bachelor's buttons should be planted in an area with full sun and well-drained soil. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep, spaced about 4 inches apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Bachelor's buttons (Centaurea cyanus) are quite tolerant of full sun and can grow in a wide range of soil types. They prefer well-drained soil and will tolerate some drought. |
| Shade tolerance | Bachelor's buttons (Centaurea cyanus) are considered to be a moderately tolerant plant when it comes to shade. They will grow in partial shade, but for best results, they should be planted in full sun. |
| Water requirements | Bachelor's buttons need consistently moist soil, so it is important to water them regularly. During the growing season, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Once the plants begin to flower, reduce watering to once a week. In periods of extreme heat, water more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing bachelors buttons depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the soil conditions. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of 1/2 to 1 pound per 100 square feet of garden area. |
| Soil pH | Bachelor's buttons (Centaurea cyanus) prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. |
People like to grow bachelors buttons because they are easy to grow, require minimal care, and produce beautiful flowers. The flowers come in a variety of colors, making them a great addition to any garden. They are also drought tolerant and can be used as a cut flower or dried flower.
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for bachelors buttons include:
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow bachelors buttons, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- snails
- leaf miners
- slugs
- aphids
- whiteflies
- spider mites
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
