Flowers Mix Growing Guides

How to Grow Cornflower Bachelor's Button Tall Blue

Direct Sowing Outdoors (Recommended)

Cornflower Bachelor's Button Tall Blue is a cool-season hardy annual. It is easy to grow by direct sowing outdoors, tolerates light frost, and produces tall blue blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

• 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 mild-winter regions, 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. Tall Blue grows 28 to 36 inches and may benefit from light staking in windy spots.
• 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. 1 oz of seeds will cover up to 250 sq ft.
• 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 grow up to 36 inches tall and bloom from early summer through fall. Flowers are excellent for pollinator plantings, borders, wildflower areas, and cut flower gardens.

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.
• Germination usually takes 7 to 14 days.
• 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 36 inches tall.
• Light staking may help in windy spots because Tall Blue grows 28 to 36 inches.
• Succession-sow every 3 to 4 weeks until early summer for continuous blooms.
• Blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.