Description
Bachelor Button is a brilliant blue ,annual wildflower introduced from Europe that can grow at a wide range of altitudes. It has naturalized across the United States and is also known as cornflower because it can be a common weed in cornfields. In fact, it is considered noxious and invasive in some areas, and it is prohibited in North Carolina. However, here in the arid and semi-arid West, it is a hardy garden flower whose 1- to 3-foot stems make it great for cut flower arrangements. Although it is an annual, it readily self-seeds to the point that it appears to be perennial. It blooms in mid-summer, and bloom time can be greatly extended by dead-heading. It is attractive to a wide range of pollinators including bats, birds, butterflies, honey bees, and native bees. Seeds should be planted just under the soil surface and germination occurs in 7 to 14 days.
Some fun facts about Bachelor Button: Reportedly, a wreath made from its blooms was found in the tomb of King Tutankhamen. It is an edible flower with a sweet and spicy taste that can be used in salads.
Details
- Latin Name: Centaurea cyanus
- Zone: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10
- Height: Tall
- Sun/Shade Tolerance: 1 - Very Sunny
- Min. Precipitation: 14", drought tolerant when established
- Seeds Per Pound: 96,000
- Native/Introduced: Introduced
- Annual/Perrenial: Annual
- Blossom Color: Blue
- Bloom Period: Summer
- Planting Rate: 21-25 lbs/acre
Additional Information
- Variety Release Sheet:
- USDA Sheet: https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CECY2
Questions?
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