How to Grow and Care for Bachelor Buttons
Centaurea cyanus
Bachelor Buttons are also called Cornflower. But, did you know, they are
known by yet another name? They are also called the "Boutonniere" flower.
That's because the small, one inch flowers are perfect for button holes
on suits. Years ago, they were the rage for boutonnieres.
The flowers are most commonly a bright blue. But you can find white, pink,
lavender, red, maroon, and rose.
Bachelor Buttons grow on sparse, thin stems to a height of 1 to 3 feet. In
addition to boutonnieres, they are also good in fresh flower arrangements
or dried. They are frequent members of bouquets.
Propagation:
Bachelor Button are grown from seed. They can be directly seeded into your
flower garden or seeded indoors for transplanting later. If planting outdoors,
sow Bachelor Button seeds early in the spring. For transplants sow them indoors
about four weeks before the last frost. Bachelor Buttons can be sowed in
the fall, especially i warmer areas. Fall plantings should be protected from
extreme cold.
How to Grow Bachelor Buttons:
The books will tell you that Bachelor Button plants like full sun. But this
gardener can tell you from experience that they grow well
on the north side of the house. They will do well in
average soils and tolerate dry soil conditions. Soil should drain well. Add
a general purpose fertilizer once a month.
Once your Bachelor Buttons are established, they will produce a burst of
flowers, then slowdown their production. Flowers will continue at a slow,
regular pace even after frost. While the are annuals, Bachelor Buttons are
somewhat hardy.
Insect and Disease:
Bachelor Buttons are somewhat resistant to insects and disease. They can
get blights and mildew in wet weather. If insect or disease problems occur,
treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.
More Information:
How
to Grow Bachelor Button Plants
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