Bachelor's Buttons, Cornflower Seed, Dwarf Blue

Centaurea cyanus 'Dwarf Blue' — Bachelor's Button — is a classic, easy-to-grow cornflower producing deep, true-blue blooms on plants to 24 inches tall. Flower petals are edible — gorgeous scattered on salads, cottage cheese, and desserts. An outstanding cut flower that also dries beautifully for everlasting arrangements. A top pollinator plant: highly attractive to honey bees and wild bees. Deer resistant. Self-sows reliably for a natural return each year. Approx. 5,600 seeds per oz.

Plant Highlights

• Deep, true-blue blooms — the classic cornflower color; elegant in the garden and in bouquets
• Edible petals — ideal as garnishes on salads, cheese boards, and desserts
• Excellent fresh-cut and dried everlasting flower
• Outstanding pollinator plant — attracts honey bees and wild bees
• Self-sows readily; deer resistant; easy for beginners

Growing Guide

Sowing outdoors: Direct-sow in early spring as soon as soil can be worked. Prepare a weed-free seedbed; sow 6 seeds per foot and cover ¼ inch deep. Thin seedlings to 6–12 inches apart. In mild winter climates, sow in fall for very early spring blooms.

Succession sowing: First blooms appear 10–12 weeks after planting. Successive plantings every few weeks extend the bloom season through summer.

Site and soil: Full sun in mild climates; partial shade in hot regions. Well-drained soil, pH 6.6–7.8. Tolerates drought once established. Moderate water for best performance.

Planting Specs

• Type: Annual (self-sowing)
• USDA Zones: 3–10
• Height: 24 inches
• Bloom season: Late spring to early fall
• Bloom color: Deep blue
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, pH 6.6–7.8
• Deer resistant: Yes
• Germ temp: 65°F | Avg. germ time: 14–28 days
• Planting depth: ¼ inch
• Sowing rate: 6 seeds per foot | 10–12 seeds per plant
• Spacing: 6–12 inches