Bachelor’s Buttons ‘Classic Magic’
Centaurea cyanus
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
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
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
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
Sources
How to Grow
How to Grow

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.