How to Grow Bachelor's Button (Centaurea cyanus) from Seed

Overview

Also called blue bachelor’s button, basket flower, or cornflower, this beloved annual has been grown since Colonial times. Reaches 2½–3 feet with striking periwinkle-blue thistle-like blooms. Needs full sun and rich, fertile soil.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Step 1: Prepare Peat Pots

Fill with seed-starting mix to ¼ inch from rim. Firm soil.

Step 2: Set Up Tray

Place pots in a solid plastic tray (no drainage holes).

Step 3: Sow Seeds

Plant 2–3 seeds per pot, pressing in with tweezers or spoon back.

Step 4: Cover & Mist

Cover with ½ inch mix. Mist. Cover tray with clear plastic wrap (secure with rubber band).

Step 5: Germinate

Keep warm, soil moist. Loosen plastic to mist or add water to tray. Germination in 7–10 days.

Step 6: Transplant Seedlings

Move when 1½–2 inches tall.

Transplanting to Garden

Step 1: Prepare Bed

Work soil 6–8 inches deep. Amend with 1–2 inches peat moss, compost, or aged manure.

Step 2: Dig Holes

1½× pot width, same depth. Space 12–14 inches apart.

Step 3: Plant

Set seedlings, backfill with amended soil.

Step 4: Water & Support

Water thoroughly. Add 10–12 inch stakes. Apply slug/snail bait if needed.