How to Grow Bachelor’s Buttons

Bachelor’s buttons were a common part of cottage gardens because of their bright blue flowers, the ease of reseeding, and the long-lasting color in dried indoor flower arrangements.

Cultivation Information and How to Grow Centaurea

Botanical and Common Name – Bachelor’s buttons go by many common names but have the scientific name Centaurea cyanus.

Plant Category – Bachelor’s buttons are annual plants.

Bloom Time and Color – Bachelor’s buttons are known for their brilliant blue flowers, and exact shade is hard to capture in a photograph. Cultivars are available in other shades but the classic blue seems to be the most popular with gardeners. Cornflowers are known to last for several weeks in the summer.

Foliage – The foliage is thin, narrow leaves similar to Dianthus.

Growth Habit – Loosely mounding growth habit with long, flowering stems. Dimensions: Bluets usually grow 1-3′ tall and 1-2′ wide.

Maintenance – Bachelor’s buttons need little maintenance in the garden, however if gardeners do not want volunteer seedlings, deadheading may be in order.

Pests or Diseases – Bachelor’s buttons do not have many pests but aphids can sometimes be a problem. If cornflowers are planted in poorly draining soil, root rot can also occur.

Propagation Methods – Bachelor’s buttons are easily sown directly into the garden at the last frost date, or started indoors 6 weeks before last frost date.

Using Centaurea in the Garden

Preferred Conditions – Bachelor’s buttons prefer full sun to part shade and will droop in not given enough sunlight each day. Well-drained soil is a must, but garden soil can be rich or poor and cornflower’s water needs are average.

Companion Plants – Bachelor’s buttons look great with white, yellow or other colored flowers that contrast with the bright blue, so landscapers could consider daisies, roses, coleus, snapdragons or zinnias.

Seasons of Interest – Bachelor’s buttons will provide color and interest from first to last frost. Blooms last for weeks through early to mid summer.

Uses in the Garden – Many gardeners use Bachelor’s buttons for their attractive cut flowers, or to dry for winter flower arrangements, however landscapers know that cornflowers also attract butterflies to the garden. The late fall seeds are attractive to song birds and can be a colorful addition to a wildlife garden.

Other Uses – Bachelor’s buttons is a favorite choice for flower arrangers because the flowers hold their color well even when dried. Decorators can use the dried flowers in everlasting arrangements for color all winter long.

With so many uses, from winter home decor to summer butterfly garden delight, it is no wonder that bachelor’s buttons have been used in mixed borders and flower beds for many years.