This easy-going annual is a beautiful addition to any garden, and it practically grows itself.
Grown for its bright blue, fringed flowers, the stems last for days in acut flower arrangement.
Where to Plant Bachelors Button
For the best growing conditions, choosean area in full sun.
Credit: Janet Mesic Mackie
Once established, bachelors buttons sprout in the same spot year after year.
In addition, they produce copious seeds, whichattract small birdssuch as finches.
Bachelors buttons are one of the easiest plants to grow from seed.
Credit: Janet Mesic Mackie
Plant the seeds in the fall for spring bloom.
Growing bachelors buttons can be as simple as throwing a handful of seeds onto freshly turned soil.
Given their almost weedy nature, its easy to see how these plants grow in many gardens.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
They are leggy and dont stand up straight when planted in mostly shady spots.
Soil and Water
While their idealsoil conditions are sandy loam, these plants tolerate poor soil conditions.
Well-drained soil keeps bachelors buttons flowers thriving.
Avoid wet soil; bachelors buttons are prone torot if the roots get too wet.
Water when the top 1 inch of soil is dry to the touch.
When temperatures are higher than usual, give themmore water.
Credit: Lynn Karlin
For the amount to use, follow the product label instructions.
Plant bachelors buttons in clay or terra-cotta pots with ample drainage holes for optimal water drainage.
Pests and Problems
Because of its brief growing season, bachelors button plants rarely have pest problems.
If yousee aphidsor mealybugs on your plants, spray them with water to remove them.
How to Propagate Bachelors Button
Bachelors button flowers from early summer to just before frost.
Savesome seeds for future use.
However, theyre open-pollinated seeds.
The interesting pom-pom flowers are great for cutting and drying.
Globe amaranth will thrive and bloom until frost.
Its excellent in beds, borders, and containers.
Plant established seedlings outdoors in spring after all danger of frost has passed.
It tolerates a variety of soils and moisture levels.
Be careful not to overfertilize.
Most salvias dont like cool weather, so plant them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
Snapdragon
Snapdragoncomes in gorgeous colors, including some with color variations on each flower.
Theyre a cool-season annual, coming into their own in early spring.
Theyre also great for fall color.
Plant snapdragon in early spring, a few weeks before your regions last frost date.
Deadhead regularly for best bloom and fertilize regularly.
In mild regions, the entire plant may overwinter ifcovered with mulch.
As with all edible plants, ensure your bachelors buttons come from a pesticide-free source before eating them.
Deadhead the flowers before they dry up to keep this uncontrolled self-seeding from happening.
North Carolina State University Extension.
