Centaurea cyanus (Bachelor's Button, Cornflower)

Seed Treatment:
Soak seeds in warm water for 6–12 hours before sowing.

When to Sow:
Outdoors (recommended):
– Direct sow in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or in fall in mild climates for earlier blooms.
Indoors:
– Start seeds 4–6 weeks before the last frost if you prefer to transplant.

Sowing Instructions:
• Sow seeds ¼ inch (6 mm) deep in well-draining soil.
• Cover lightly and water gently.
• Ideal soil temperature: 60–70°F (15–21°C).
• Keep soil moist until seedlings appear.
• Germination occurs in 7–14 days.

Light Requirements:
• Prefers full sun for best flowering.
• Can tolerate light shade but may bloom less profusely.

Soil Requirements:
• Grows best in well-draining, average to poor soil.
• Tolerates sandy or rocky soils.
• pH range: 6.0–7.5.

Watering:
• Water lightly during germination and early growth.
• Once established, Bachelor’s Button is drought-tolerant and requires only occasional watering.

Spacing:
• Thin or transplant seedlings to 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) apart.

Growing Tips:
• Produces vibrant blooms from late spring through summer.
• Excellent for cut flowers, wildflower gardens, pollinator patches, and borders.
• Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
• Hardy annual, self-seeds readily, and can naturalize in the garden.