Dwarf Blue Centaurea

Also known as Bachelor’s Buttons or Cornflower. A native of Europe, they were brought to America in the 17th century and have been loved by gardeners for their periwinkle blue flowers since. Tuck them among annuals, perennials, or even in the veggie garden where the intense blue flowers can be used for cutting or as an edible garnish. The 1-2” blue flowers bloom nonstop, attracting beneficial insects from midsummer on.     

300 seeds

PLANTING

Centaurea cyanus

Annual

Germination: 7-14 days

Seed Planting Depth: Sow 1/8” deep 

Starting Indoors:  Start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Provide 60-70ºF soil temperature. Water seedlings regularly until established. 

Sowing Outdoors: Direct sow mid to late spring into early summer.  Sow a few seeds every 4-6".

Spacing: Transplant 4-8" apart

Growth Habit: Upright

Height and Width: 24-30" x 12"

Light Needs:  Full sun 

Soil Needs:  Average, well-drained

Approximate days to flower from seed: 65-75 days

Uses: Flower beds, cottage, and wildflower gardens, attracts pollinators and birds, deer and drought tolerant, cut flowers, edible flowers

Care: Self-seeds. Deadhead to prevent self-seeding. Established plants can tolerate dry soil, but regular water will keep the plants healthier. Do not over-fertilize, causes excessive leaf growth and little to no flowers.