Jefferson Seed Library

Bachelor Buttons (Cornflower)

Also known as the cornflower, bachelor buttons got that name from when gentlemen would wear a bachelor button in the buttonholes of their suits. 

  • Variety
 New: Polka Dot Mix Colors
  • Scientific Name
 Centaurea cyanus
  • Growing Level
 Easy
  • Seed Saving Level
 Intermediate
  • Seed Storage
 3-5 years if properly stored
  • Life Cycle
 Annual
  • Germination Time
 7-14 days
  • Height
 16-30”
  • Light Requirements
 Full sun, but will tolerate partial shade
  • Blooms in
 Spring through Summer
  • “Check Out” Month See Upcoming Events for specific “check out” dates.
 April and May
  • In Stock?
 No

 

Bachelor Buttons Polka Dot Mixed

Table of Contents

 

Growing Tips

Container Friendly
Edible Flowers

When to Start

 

Spring: After the danger of frost has passed.

 

How to Start

 

Bachelor buttons like well-draining soil and full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Plant after danger of frost has passed.

 

Care

 

The care of bachelor buttons plants requires water to get them started and little else for continued bachelor buttons care. Once established, the flower is drought resistant and will self-seed for a continuing display in the coming years. Bachelor buttons benefit from deadheading until you are ready to let them go to seed. Thin to 6-12’’.

 

How to use

Cornflower leaves have a slightly spicy and clove-like taste. They are good in salads and when frozen in ice cubes make a fancy display! They can be used in tea (like Lady Grey) and can be used to make dyes.

Seed Saving

Isolation Distance

 

Insect dependent for pollination. Isolate 1/4 mile to prevent cross-pollination.

 

Instructions

 

Select healthy, robust plants free of any signs of disease or insect infestation for seeds. Seeds carry the traits of the parent plant. Choose plants that exhibit the traits you wish to preserve. Consider bloom size, color, and shape, as well as blooming time.

 

Allow the biggest and healthiest blooms to mature on the plant. Cover the seed head with a fine-mesh bag as soon as the flower petals shrivel and die. Use an elastic band to hold the bag in place. This prevents seeds from spilling onto the soil before harvest.

 

Clip the flower head from the main stem once the seeds are dry and dark. Separate plant debris from the seeds by removing the mesh bag and placing the flower head in a paper bag and shaking to loosen the seeds. Seeds settle to the bottom of the bag. Remove plant debris by hand.

Features

  • Attracts pollinators
  • Deer resistant
  • Edible. It is subtly spiced and sweet. It can be baked into cookies, sprinkled on salads and used in pasta. 
  • Good cut or dried flowers
  • Drought tolerant
  • Good in containers
  • Low maintenance
  • Polka Dot Mix Colors: Flowers are blue, pink, purple, and white. This variety flowers more profusely than others. 

You May Also Like: 

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Celosia/Cockscomb

Pest Management

Sources:

Gardenguides.com

Starting and Saving Seeds By Julia Thompson-Adolf

Edenbrothers.com

Edible Flowers: How, Why, and When We Eat Flowers by Monica Nelson.

The New York Botanical Garden, Herbal Handbook, Clarkson Potter.