I had done some research as far as easy seeds to start, and had purchased a packet of bachelor buttons. It seemed strange that the weird little grey seeds with their little hair-like tufts at the end would ever become really anything, but I planted them into a little bit of potting mix and waited for spring to come. The seeds sprouted quickly, and soon sent up strappy silvery-grey leaves.
I was a bit surprised at how easy they were - I had tried seeds in the past for vegetables, but never had started flower seeds before. The seedlings were incredibly vigorous, outgrowing their container in a few short weeks before getting planted outside. And then came the massive display of bright blue flowers. Like tiny little bundles of bright blue crepe paper, the bachelor buttons bloomed all the way through June.
I cut fistfuls of them to place into jars around the house, where they continued to bloom and display their bright colorful petals. Growing bachelor buttons was like a welcome back home when we started flower farming. I knew bachelor buttons like an old friend, and found myself tucking the silvery-green stems into arrangements and market bouquets.
I love bachelor buttons. Not all gardeners or open fields welcome this vibrant and prolific flower. They overtake other plants and are defiant in the face of mowers and tractors. Fancy restaurants feature edible flowers, and bachelor buttons are often one of them. Sweet yet spicy, the flower garnishes salads and vegetables, delivering not only taste but color to your culinary creation.
State university extension services provide guidance and information. A versatile writer, Jann enjoys research as well as doing the actual writing. A career in television writing, as a magazine editor and celebrity interviewer, Jann adapts to her environment, having traveled the world, living overseas and packing and unpacking her treasures for a new location over 30 times.
Bachelor buttons are invasive but they have not been put on the state invasive species list of noxious weeds. Therefore they can still be sold in wild flower mixes. There are a number of plants in the same family Centaurea as Bachelor buttons that are on the list of noxious weeds. How do you grow perennial bachelor buttons? Propagate by root division every two years. Choose a cool, cloudy fall day with rain predicted to propagate your bachelor's buttons.
Prepare an area for transplanting the divided plants. Soak the bachelor's buttons with water one or two days before dividing them. Fill the bucket with water. Grasp the plant at its base. Do bachelor buttons attract bees? Cornflower Centaurea cyanus The seeds, nectar, pollen, sap, and foliage of cornflowers also known as bachelor's buttons nourish birds, bees, and butterflies. How do you get seeds from bachelor buttons? Collecting and Saving Bachelor's Button Seeds When one of your flowers heads has faded and dried up, cut it off of the stalk.
You won't see the seeds right away because they're actually inside the flower. With the fingers of one hand, rub the flower against the palm of the other hand so the dried flower crumbles away. Finally, one sprouted from a package of mixed wildflower seeds, and it was the sensation of the summer.
Do you consider it invasive or inviting? Let us know in the comments section below. See our TOS for more details. Originally published March 3, Last updated June 21, Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. Nan Schiller is a writer with deep roots in the soil of southeastern Pennsylvania. Her background includes landscape and floral design, a BS in business from Villanova University, and a Certificate of Merit in floral design from Longwood Gardens. We have a bank in our backyard that has poor soil and consistent erosion.
We planted mostly alpines in it, but had some Buttons too. They sprouted really well and self seeded for years along the bottom of the bank. We pulled them all out this morning to make way for a raised bed — to our surprise we had gorgeous soil underneath!
We ended up transplanting a bunch to where we have similar poor soil to before with high hopes that they will help. They are a wonder!
Here are three noteworthy cultivars to consider: Blue Boy This type has bright blue flowers that measure one to one and one-half inches across. Cornflower Mix This mixed variety offers shades of blue, pink, purple, and white. Cornflower Mix Mature heights reach 18 to 24 inches. Dwarf Blue This variety has bright blue flowers that measure one to one and a quarter inches across.
A Note of Caution: Flower consumption is not endorsed by the FDA, and may cause adverse digestive or allergic reactions. Quick Reference Growing Guide. Facebook 94 Twitter Pinterest About Nan Schiller Nan Schiller is a writer with deep roots in the soil of southeastern Pennsylvania. More Posts Notify of. Oldest Newest Most Voted. Inline Feedbacks. Aidan R.
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