Bachelor Buttons (Centaurea cyanus ), also called cornflower or bluebottle, is an annual flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to Europe.
It is an easy-to-grow plant with low maintenance. It begins blooming anytime from early summer and continues to until the first frost.
There are so many varieties and cultivars which range of colorful flowers like dark blue, light blue, purple, pink, dark maroon, white, as well as bicolor.
The leaves are lanceolate, 1–4 cm long. The flowers which have the beautiful texture are most commonly an intense blue color.
(click here to know more about varieties and cultivars).
These plants grow about 3 feet tall and about 2 feet wide.
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Bachelor buttons typically grow between 60-90 cm (24-36 inches) tall. However, the exact height can vary depending on the growing conditions and the variety of the plant. Some cultivars may grow taller or shorter than the typical range.
The height of the plant may also vary depending on how it is grown, as they tend to grow taller in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.
Bachelor buttons are annual plants that produce blue, pink, white, or purple flowers and are often grown in gardens or used in cut flower arrangements.
Growing bachelor buttons in containers
Bachelor buttons can be grown in containers. They look beautiful in containers combined with different flower color combinations.
Make sure that you place the container a location with full sun for best growth. It is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Plant bachelor button flowers in borders and beds, prairie planting, rock gardens (especially the dwarf varieties).
How much water do Bachelor buttons need?
It depends on the type of soil and the season.
Though Bachelor buttons are drought tolerant and can adapt to dry and most conditions, they do not do well in soggy soil.
You should water only once if the topsoil is dry or during extended dry periods. If there is regular rainfall, you can skip watering the plants.
Keep the soil moist during growing seasons to get continuous blooms.
Bachelor buttons sun or shade
Bachelor buttons prefer to grow in full sun. Though it can tolerate partial shade, they produce continuous flowers on getting ample sunlight.
They need at least six hours of sunlight. Its stems will droop with too much shade.
What is the best soil for Bachelor buttons?
Bachelor buttons are easy to grow plants and can grow even in poor soil.
They prefer and thrive in well-drained sandy loam soil with a pH range of 6.6 – 7.8.
It is better to avoid wet soil as they are prone to root rot.
Do pets bother Bachelor buttons?
Bachelor buttons are not prone to bother from insects or disease.
Occasionally Aphids can create a problem, but washing plants with a strong spray can take care of those pests.
In wet season powdery mildew or rust can occur.
By providing good circulation and watering the ground and not plants will keep the mildew away.
Spraying fungicidal soap or sulfur and removing the infected leaves and stems can control rust.
How often do you fertilize Bachelor buttons?
Bachelor buttons does not require much fertilization. You can add some compost or slow-release fertilizer at the time of transplanting.
How safe are Cornflowers?
Cornflower leaves and flowers are edible for humans.
Its leaves are blend in some herbal tea.
Bachelor buttons / Cornflowers are non-toxic to Dogs, Cats, and Horses.
These plants are deer resistant.
In which zones, Bachelor buttons can be grown?
Bachelor buttons thrive in temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 11.
It is both heat and cold tolerant plants.
How do you propagate Bachelor buttons?
You can propagate Bachelor buttons through seed. Sow them directly outdoor or in a seed tray (in case you want to take special care).
Sow seeds from March to May to get flowers from June to September and sow from August to October to get flowers in July.
Propagation of Bachelor buttons through seed:
Dig the soil and remove any weeds and stones.
Rake the soil into fine tilth and make a shallow grove about ¼ inch deep.
Plant the seeds in the groove about an inch apart.
Cover with a thin layer of soil and water the seeds.
Seeds will germinate in 7 to 25 days.
When the plant grows about 4 inches, thin (remove some plants) them by keeping a spacing of 15 cms/ 6 inches and relocate/transplant these plants to other locations.
It takes about ten weeks to get flowers after planting the seeds.
Why do you deadhead bachelor buttons?
Deadheading the dying flowers to prolong the flowering. Deadheading will force the plant to continue producing new blooms instead of seeding.
Bachelor Buttons varieties and cultivars:
Blue Boy – grows to more than two feet.
Polka Dot Mix – comes with flowers of many colors.
Dwarf Midget – produces bushy plants that grow only to 1 foot height.
Black Magic – produces dark maroon flowers.
Sweet Sultan Imperialis – produces long-stalked flowers that are perfect for cutting.
Classic Fantastic Bachelor buttons – This classic, fantastic mix blends classic cornflower blue with deep indigo, including numerous combinations of bicolor blue flowers.
Plants grow 2½ to 3 ft. tall by 10 in. wide, bloom from late spring to late summer when flowers are cut regularly for bouquets.
Classic Magic Bachelor buttons – This enchanting mix blends pastel and deeper rose shades with deep mahogany brown, including numerous combinations of bicolor flowers with white accents.
Grows 2½ to 3 ft. tall by 10 in. wide, and blooms from late spring to late summer when flowers cut regularly for bouquets.
Classic Romantic Bachelor buttons – Fleuroselect Novelty Award Winner.
This romantic mix blends powder-puff pink with a deep carmine red, including numerous combinations of bicolor pink and red flowers.
Grows 2½ to 3 ft. tall by 10 in. wide, and blooms from late spring to late summer when flowers cut regularly for bouquets.
Classic Artistic Bachelor buttons – A rich blend of plum, rose, white, and classic cornflower blue shades, along with numerous combinations of bicolor flowers.
Plants grow 2½ to 3 ft. tall by 10 in. wide.
Bloom is from late spring to late summer when flowers cut regularly for bouquets.
Plants grow 2½ to 3 ft. tall by 10 in. wide.
Bloom is from late spring to late summer when flowers cut regularly for bouquets.
Black Ball Bachelor buttons – Crimson-black, 2 in. double thistle-like flowers in late spring and early summer.
In mild summer areas, the Black Ball bachelor’s button will continue to flower until September when old blooms are removed.
Flowers attract butterflies, are superb additions to fresh or dried arrangements.
Black Ball bachelor’s button plants are deer resistant and grow to 24-36 in. tall.
Sow seeds in fall in mild winter areas, and early spring everywhere.
White Ball Bachelor buttons- Creamy-white, 2 in. double thistle-like flowers in late spring and early summer.
In mild summer zones, the White Ball bachelor’s button will continue to flower until September when old blooms are removed.
Flowers attract butterflies, are superb additions to fresh or dried arrangements.
White Ball bachelor’s button plants are deer resistant and grow to 24-36 in. tall.
Dwarf Bachelor Button – Grows 12-24 inches tall and produces large beautiful blue blooms. This annual can be grown in full sun or partial.
It is easy to grow Dwarf Bachelor buttons. You just give them full sun and well-drained soil.
Are bachelor buttons toxic to dogs?
Bachelor buttons are not considered toxic to dogs. According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), Bachelor buttons are not listed as toxic to dogs, cats, or horses. However, as with any plant material, ingestion in large amounts may cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, in pets. It is always a good idea to monitor your dog and seek veterinary attention if you notice any unusual symptoms after they have ingested any plant material. Additionally, if you have any concerns or if your dog has a history of ingesting plants, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian.
Some interesting info about the Cornflowers/ Bachelor buttons:
- In the past, it often grew as a weed in cornfields, hence the name Cornflowers.
- This plant leaves release nectar even when the flowers are not blooming.
- In North Carolina, it’s considered a noxious weed, and growing it is prohibited.
- The Cornflower is the national flower in Germany.
- It attracts Butterflies, Bees, and Songbirds.
- The stems can last for many days in a cut flower arrangement.
References: http://www.public.asu.edu
