Flowers Mix Growing Guides

How to Grow Cornflower Bachelor's Button Polka Dot Mix

Direct Sowing Outdoors (Recommended)

Cornflower Bachelor's Button Polka Dot Mix is a cool-season hardy annual. It is easy to grow by direct sowing outdoors and can tolerate light frost.

• 1. Choose a Season
  Direct-sow outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. For continuous blooms, succession-sow every 3 to 4 weeks until early summer. In USDA zones 7 to 10, seeds can also be sown in fall for spring blooms.
• 2. Choose the Right Spot
  Choose a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Bachelor's Button thrives in well-drained soil and tolerates poor, dry, or rocky ground. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil.
• 3. Prepare the Soil
  Loosen the top layer of soil and remove weeds, rocks, and debris. Rake the area smooth before sowing. Well-drained soil is important, as Bachelor's Button performs poorly in soggy conditions.
• 4. Broadcast the Seeds
  Spread seeds evenly over the planting area. Aim for 6 to 12 inches between plants after thinning. For an even stand, broadcast the seeds first and thin seedlings later.
• 5. Create Good Seed-to-Soil Contact
  Cover seeds with about 1/4 inch of soil and press gently for good seed-to-soil contact. Bachelor's Button seeds need darkness to germinate, so make sure they are fully covered with soil.
• 6. Water the Area
  Keep the soil lightly moist for 7 to 14 days until germination. Once plants are established, water only occasionally and allow the topsoil to dry between waterings. Do not overwater.
• 7. Grow On
  Plants can grow up to 24 inches tall and bloom from early summer through fall. Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Starting Indoors (Alternative Method)

Bachelor's Button is usually easiest to direct-sow, but it can also be started indoors for earlier blooms.

• 1. Start Seeds Early
  Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost.
• 2. Sow the Seeds
  Sow seeds in a fine seed-starting mix and cover with about 1/4 inch of soil. Keep seeds fully covered, as they need darkness to germinate.
• 3. Keep Moist
  Keep the growing medium lightly moist, but not soggy. Germination usually takes 7 to 14 days.
• 4. Provide Bright Light
  Once seedlings emerge, place them under bright light or grow lights to keep plants strong and compact.
• 5. Transplant Outdoors
  Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors. Space plants 6 to 12 inches apart in a sunny, well-drained location.

Growing Tips

• Bachelor's Button grows best in cool weather and tolerates light frost.
• Choose full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Seeds need darkness to germinate - cover with about 1/4 inch of soil.
• Keep soil lightly moist during germination, but avoid soggy conditions.
• Once established, plants are drought-tolerant and need only occasional watering.
• Allow the topsoil to dry between waterings after plants are established.
• Thin seedlings to 6 to 12 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.
• 1 oz covers up to 250 sq ft.
• Plants grow up to 24 inches tall.
• Succession-sow every 3 to 4 weeks until early summer for continuous blooms.
• Blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.