Description
These members of the aster family offer striking 1-1.5 inch flowers on tall stems in deep purple shades. These offer singles, semi-double, and double flowers in abundance.
They’re prolific bloomers, adding depth and mystery to your favorite garden bed from late spring into early fall.
“Black Button” Bachelor’s Buttons add dark magic to any butterfly garden, with its deep plum-colored flowers.
Bachelor buttons are a popular annual that may prove perennial in zones 8-11. It is native to temperate zones in Europe but has become endangered due to extensive agriculture. It does grow beautifully in North America, however,
The stems of bachelor buttons are grayish-green and produce multiple branches. The blooms of Black Button Centaurea Cyanus feature flowerheads with rings of tiny florets deep purple, deep plum, nearly black in color.
Even though they’re pretty goth-looking, they need sunshine. But they won’t need much fertilizer or additional watering once established.
Benefits of Bachelor Buttons
- Tall but delicate flowering plant for cottage gardens
- Attractive to many bee species
- High sugar nectar makes it a vital food for butterflies
- Attracts predatory insects that protect brassicas
- Flowers are edible and used in tea and yogurt for color enhancement
- Excellent cut flower for arranging or drying
Tips for Growing Bachelor’s Buttons
Sow directly into a well-watered garden spot and cover very lightly with soil once soil temperature has reached 60°F. Keep moist until germination occurs.
In warm climates, such as zones 9-11, you can direct sow in fall for spring germination.
Otherwise, start 3 to 4 weeks before your last frost date. Provide a moist seed starting mix and surface sow seeds. Press gently into potting mix and cover lightly with soil or perlite.
Keep soil moist and transplant once first true leaves have developed. Germinates in 7 to 14 days.
Centaurea cyanus Details
- Life span: Annual
- Color scheme: “Black” (dark purple)
- Height: 30-38”
- Time to Germinate: 7-14 days.
- Time to maturity: 8-10 weeks
Terms of Sale
Sold by weight — you will receive a minimum of 200 mg of seed, about 40 to 45 seeds, shipped free from Florida via regular USPS First Class Mail to U.S. mailing addresses only.
Refund/Replace/Return Policy
Our policy is to replace or refund any missing or damaged packages, so please contact us directly if you have any problems with your order.
We want happy gardeners and strive to provide a stress-free seed purchase.
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