Orikrin1998 / CC BY 3.0
garden
Bachelor button
Overview
Also known as cornflower, this charming annual was once so common in European grain fields that it became the national flower of several countries. Its brilliant blue petals are a true blue — one of the rarest colors in the plant kingdom. Bachelor buttons are edible, easy to grow, and self-seed freely, making them a carefree addition to wildflower meadows and cottage gardens.
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH6 — 7.5
Soil TypeAverage, well-drained soil; tolerates poor soils
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | May — Jun | Direct sow after last frost; scatter seeds; self-sows freely |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jun — Aug | Cut when flowers are 3/4 open; edible petals for salads |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Mar — May | Direct sow in early spring; prefers cool weather |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | May — Jul | Harvest blooms regularly; self-sows for next year |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Feb — Apr | Sow in late winter/spring; also fall sow for early bloom |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Sep — Oct | Fall sowing for early spring flowers |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Apr — Jun | Deadhead for extended bloom |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Sep — Nov | Fall sow for winter/spring bloom |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Nov — Apr (wraps) | Blooms through cool months |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Oct — Dec | Fall sow; cool-season annual |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Dec — Mar (wraps) | Winter/early spring bloom |
Uses
Culinary
- Edible petals as garnish for salads, cakes, and cocktails
- Dried flowers used in herbal tea blends
- Natural blue food coloring
Other Uses
- Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects
- Cut flowers with excellent vase life
- Natural dye yielding blue and green tones
