Bachelor Button – Red

Bachelor Button ‘Red’ (Centaurea cyanus) is a striking annual flower known for its rich red blooms and upright, branching growth habit. Plants generally grow 24–36 inches tall, producing long, slender stems that make this variety well suited to cut-flower gardens, flower borders, cottage gardens, meadows, and fresh or dried floral arrangements.

Bachelor Button grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is adaptable to a variety of soil types and is relatively drought tolerant once established. Provide consistent moisture during germination and early growth, but avoid poorly drained or waterlogged locations.

The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other flower-visiting insects. Mature seed heads can provide food for birds. Plants can readily reseed when mature seed is allowed to develop.

Bachelor Button is an annual that grows readily from seed and can flower during its first growing season when planted early enough.

Bachelor Button is not native to the United States. Centaurea cyanus is native to parts of Europe and western Asia and has been introduced and naturalized throughout many areas of North America.

Pacific Northwest Planting

For gardeners in the Pacific Northwest, both fall and spring can be used to establish Bachelor Button.

Spring planting is a reliable option once soil conditions are suitable. Sow seed directly into a firm, weed-free seed bed and cover lightly with soil. Keep the planting area consistently moist during germination and early growth.

Fall planting can also be successful where winter conditions are suitable. Sow after temperatures have cooled enough to prevent premature germination. In areas with wet winters, select a well-drained planting site.

Spring Planting

Spring is an excellent time to plant Bachelor Button.

Sow seed directly outdoors once the soil can be worked. Prepare a firm, weed-free seed bed and cover the seed lightly with soil.

Keep the planting area consistently moist during germination and early growth. Early planting gives plants more time to establish and flower during the growing season.

Fall Planting

Fall planting can provide an early start the following spring in areas with suitable winter conditions.

Sow seed after summer temperatures have cooled and cover lightly with soil. The goal is to plant late enough that the seed remains dormant through winter rather than germinating prematurely.

Planting in Other Regions

Bachelor Button is adaptable to a wide range of temperate growing conditions.

In colder climates, spring planting is generally the most reliable option. In areas with mild winters, fall planting can also be successful.

In warmer regions, fall planting can allow plants to establish during cooler weather and flower before the hottest part of summer.

Regardless of region, choose a sunny location with well-drained soil and provide consistent moisture while seeds are germinating and young plants are becoming established.

Pollinator & Wildlife Value

Bachelor Button flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other flower-visiting insects. Mature seed heads can also provide food for birds.

Important Planting Consideration

Bachelor Button is an introduced species that can readily reseed when mature seed is allowed to develop. Because regulations and recommendations for introduced plants can vary by state and locality, customers should check their state and local requirements before purchasing or planting, particularly when planting near natural areas or in large quantities.

Deadheading spent flowers before mature seed develops can help reduce unwanted reseeding.

Larger Quantities

For quantities larger than those currently listed for sale, please contact us for availability and pricing.

Seeding Rates

Broadcast seeding rate: 50–62.5 pounds per acre

Seed drill rate: 25 pounds per acre