Tall Blue Bachelor Button is a old-fashioned true-blue hardy, drought-tolerant annual flower. Resilient and long-lasting, this cut flower is a beautiful addition in bouquets and flower arrangements. Completely edible, it is also a natural blue food colorant, tea, and garnish in the culinary world. Bachelor Buttons carry a rich cultural history. Traditionally associated with love and romance, men in the Victorian era wore one in their buttonhole when courting women. It has since been a popular wedding boutonniere. Also Known As: Cornflower, Bachelor's Button, Tall Corn Flower, Edible Flower, Bluebottle, Hurtsickle, Cyani Flower, Basket Flower, Boutonniere Flower, Ragged Sailor, Garden Cornflower, Bachelor’s Button, Blue Centaurea. Plant Name: Bachelor Button, Tall Blue Latin Name: Centaurea cyanus Days to Germinate: 7-14 Days to Bloom: 65-90 Plant Height: 2 - 3 Feet Spread: 9 - 12 Inches Bloom Diameter: 1 - 2 Inches Growth Habit: Upright USDA Zones: 3-12 Lifespan: Annual Brand: TomorrowSeeds Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Shade Pollination: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated GMO: No Fungicide-Treated Seeds*: No Seeds Packed For**: 2026 *Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds. **Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates. Planting Instructions: Soil Preparation: Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 2 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Planting: Bachelor buttons are best direct-sown because they don’t transplant well. Plant seeds directly outdoors in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. Scatter the seeds over the prepared soil surface and lightly press them 1/8 inch into the soil or cover seeds thinly with soil, since Bachelor button seeds need light to germinate. Gently water after planting. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 8-12 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding. Planting Depth: 1/8 inch Within-Row Spacing: 8-12 inches Between-Row Spacing: 2-3 feet Care During the Season: Once established, bachelor buttons are drought-tolerant and require minimal care. Water sparingly, only during prolonged dry spells, and avoid overwatering. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering.
