Tall Blue Bachelor Button Cornflower Seeds
The Tall Blue Bachelor, also known as the Tall Blue Cornflower or Bachelor's Button, is an annual flower that produces vibrant blue blooms and is known for attracting pollinators. It is drought-tolerant and can self-seed for future growth.
One of the most well-known aspects of this yearly wildflower is its striking cornflower blue color. These easy-to-cultivate flowers grow to a medium height and fit perfectly in any relaxed garden. Shipping to NC is not available.
These vibrant flowers once flourished in the fields of the UK and southern Europe, but they have become quite rare lately due to changes in the environment and modern farming methods. This species was first documented in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus. The genus name "Centaurea" is derived from Greek mythology, while the name Bachelor's Button comes from the custom of young men wearing the flower to express love. They were also known as cornflowers because they thrived in farmers' fields. In the past, the blue flowers were used to create a temporary dye, commonly for coloring frosting, sugar, or candies.
Common Names: Cornflower, Garden Cornflower, Blue Cap, Bluebottle, Bluebow
Latin Name: Centaurea cyanus
Species Origin: Southern Europe
Type: Garden Flowers
Life Cycle: Annual
USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 6,800
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 30 Inches
Color: Blue
Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer
Uses: Cut Flowers, Dried Flowers, Deer Resistant
Sowing: Plant the tall blue bachelor button cornflower seeds directly in late fall or early spring, spacing them thinly and burying them 1/2" deep. In spring, keep the soil moist after planting; germination should happen within 7-10 days. For indoor planting, place three or four seeds 1/2" deep in separate peat pots. Maintain lightly moist soil at a temperature of 65-70 degrees F until they germinate; thin to the strongest seedlings. Transplant them before they grow taller than 5".
Growing: Water the seedlings occasionally until they are established. While mature plants can handle drought, they prefer sufficient moisture and may require occasional watering. Trim off developing tips to encourage the plant to grow more branches and flowers. If the stems start to droop, provide support. Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms, but leave the latest ones to produce seeds; although it is an annual, it will reseed itself easily to create volunteer plants. This plant attracts butterflies and bees and provides nutritious seeds for birds. Cornflower thrives in both containers and garden beds.
Harvesting: Cornflowers are great for cutting and typically last 4-5 days in a vase. When dried, the flowers keep their color and are excellent for dried 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 dark, well-ventilated area for about 2 weeks.
Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, small oblong seeds will develop. Once the seeds can be easily removed, they are ready for harvest. Take off the dried seed heads and gently rub them to separate the seeds from the husk. Store the tall blue bachelor button cornflower seeds in a cool, dry location.
