Tall White Bachelor Button Cornflower 250 Seeds
Pop this lovely white flower into a buttonhole for any special event. This wildflower is an annual that looks fantastic in the garden, in a fresh bouquet, or in a dried flower arrangement. Shipping to NC is not available.
These vibrant blooms once thrived in the fields of the UK and southern Europe, but they've become quite rare lately due to changes in the landscape and modern farming methods. This species was first documented in botanical records in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus. The genus name "Centaurea" has its roots in Greek mythology, while the common name Bachelor's Button comes from the custom of young men wearing the flower as a symbol of love. They were also known as cornflowers because of their plentiful growth in farmers' fields. In the past, the blossoms were used to create a temporary dye, commonly for tinting frosting, sugar, or candies.
Tall White Bachelor Buttons are not only beautiful but also beneficial for the garden, attracting pollinators and their petals are edible and can be used in salads,. They are drought-tolerant and can self-sow, making them a great addition to any garden.
Common Names: Bachelor's Button
Latin Name: Centaurea cyanus
Species Origin: Southern Europe
Type: Garden Flowers
Life Cycle: Annual
Bachelor's Button does well in USDA zones 6a-9b
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 6,000
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun
Plant Height: 28" - 36″
Plant Spacing: 15" - 18"
Color: White
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Spring, Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer
Uses: Cut Flowers, Dried Flowers, Deer Resistant
Sowing: Plant seeds directly in late fall or early spring, spacing them thinly and burying them 1/2" deep. In spring, keep the soil moist after sowing; you should see germination in about 7-10 days. If starting indoors, place three or four seeds 1/2" deep in individual peat pots. Maintain lightly moist soil at a temperature of 65-70 degrees F until they germinate; thin out to the strongest seedlings. Transplant them before they grow taller than 5".
Growing: Water the seedlings occasionally until they’re established. While mature plants can handle drought, they prefer enough moisture and might need some watering now and then. Trim off developing tips to encourage the plant to grow more branches and fuller foliage, plus more flowers. If the stems start to droop, give them some support. Deadhead spent blooms for the best flower production, but remember to leave the latest blooms to produce seeds; even though it’s an annual, it will reseed itself easily to create volunteer plants. This plant is a magnet for butterflies and bees, and it also provides nutritious seeds for birds. Cornflower thrives in both containers and garden beds.
Harvesting: Cornflowers are fantastic as cut flowers, typically lasting 4-5 days in a vase. When dried, they keep their color and are a great addition to dried flower arrangements or potpourri. To dry the flowers, select blossoms that have just started to bloom; pick them after the dew has dried. Gather the stems and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area for about 2 weeks.
Seed Saving: Once the flower wilts, tiny oblong seeds will develop. When the seeds can be easily removed, they’re ready. Take off the dried seed heads and gently rub them to separate the seeds from the husk. Store the seeds in a cool, dry location.
