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An armload of Bachelor's Buttons Classic Magic
An armload of Bachelor's Buttons Classic Magic
Bachelor's Buttons Classic Magic growing in the field
A close up of Bachelor's Buttons Classic Magic
Bachelor's Buttons Classic Magic growing in the field
A bunch of Bachelor's Buttons Classic Magic

Bachelor’s Buttons ‘Classic Magic’

Centaurea cyanus

Features

  • Easy to grow
  • Edible
  • Foliage & Filler
  • Medium producer
  • Pollinator-friendly

Description

A refreshing new take on an old classic, this eye-catching mix of black, deep plum, and purple-and-white bicolor blooms is on our must-grow list. Easy to grow, pollinator-friendly, and a great choice for beginners, bachelor’s buttons will flower over a long period of time if regularly harvested.

Details

Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 36 to 40 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 65 to 80 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Cold-tolerant; plants dislike being transplanted so direct-seed into the garden in the fall or early spring. Seed can be tricky to start indoors, so pop seeds into the freezer for 10 to 14 days before sowing to speed up germination. For an extended harvest, sow two plantings, one month apart.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when blooms are one-quarter to one-half open. If picking entire sprays, cut when half the flowers on a spray are open. Expect a vase life of 7 days.

Details

Description

A refreshing new take on an old classic, this eye-catching mix of black, deep plum, and purple-and-white bicolor blooms is on our must-grow list. Easy to grow, pollinator-friendly, and a great choice for beginners, bachelor’s buttons will flower over a long period of time if regularly harvested.

Details

Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 36 to 40 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 65 to 80 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Cold-tolerant; plants dislike being transplanted so direct-seed into the garden in the fall or early spring. Seed can be tricky to start indoors, so pop seeds into the freezer for 10 to 14 days before sowing to speed up germination. For an extended harvest, sow two plantings, one month apart.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when blooms are one-quarter to one-half open. If picking entire sprays, cut when half the flowers on a spray are open. Expect a vase life of 7 days.

Sources

How to Grow

How to Grow

How to Start Flowers from Seed
How to Start Flowers from Seed

There’s nothing more rewarding than starting your own seeds. The benefits include getting a jump on the season, having access to hundreds of specialty varieties that you won’t find at your local nurseries or garden center and it’s the most inexpensive way to fill up your cutting garden fast.
Fabulous Foliages and Fillers
Fabulous Foliages and Fillers

Having a steady supply of foliage is key to successfully making bouquets throughout the season—in spring, during the long months of summer, and into early fall. In this post, I’ll share the best staple foliages and foliage-like fillers, along with several of my favorite varieties.
Easy-to-grow Hardy Annuals
Easy-to-grow Hardy Annuals

Hardy annuals are some of the hardest-working, most productive plants in the late spring/early summer cutting garden. They are the first annuals to bloom in the spring, and their ability to withstand cold temperatures, thrive with minimal care, and produce abundantly for weeks from a single sowing make them an indispensable addition to the cut flower garden.
Edible Favorites for Your Cutting Garden
Edible Favorites for Your Cutting Garden

There’s nothing quite like pairing food with flowers. Most people don’t pay much attention to what’s in a vase unless they recognize the ingredients, and a little food is usually all it takes to get people talking. Not only are they beautiful for arrangements, or to put on display, these hardworking varieties are wonderful for eating too.
How to Start Flowers from Seed
How to Start Flowers from Seed
Fabulous Foliages and Fillers
Fabulous Foliages and Fillers
Easy-to-grow Hardy Annuals
Easy-to-grow Hardy Annuals
Edible Favorites for Your Cutting Garden
Edible Favorites for Your Cutting Garden

Summer
Mini Course

In our upcoming three-part video series, you’ll learn a simple step to double the number of blooms your plants produce, how to cut and care for your flowers for the longest vase life, and how to make mixed bouquets quickly and efficiently.