Close up of Blue Boy Bachelor&
Blue Boy Bachelor&
Blue Boy Bachelor&
Close-up detailed view of a bunch of Blue Boy Bachelor&
Blue Boy Bachelor&
Blue Boy Bachelor&
Close up of Blue Boy Bachelor&
Blue Boy Bachelor&
Blue Boy Bachelor&
Close-up detailed view of a bunch of Blue Boy Bachelor&
Blue Boy Bachelor&
Blue Boy Bachelor&

Bachelor's Button Seeds,
Blue Boy

4.630 ReviewsSKU: #FL160Min. seed count: 150
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Description

(Centaurea cyanus). Incredibly electrifying blue, double flowers on 3-foot-tall plants that bloom all season. Very easy to grow. It is a self-seeding annual, so you will not have to replant. The name is a nod to an old tradition for men who are “courting” to wear a blue bachelor’s button, stuck into the buttonhole of their jackets.

Growing Tips: Sow in place in fall or winter (mild winter climates) or early spring where winters are severe. Space plants 6-12 inches. Removing spent blooms prolongs the blooming season. Self-sows freely. It performs best in cool weather and requires minimal maintenance in well-drained soil and full sun.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Centaurea cyanus
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
60–80
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
6–12 in.
Ideal Temperature
55–70°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Direct sow seeds outdoors 2–4 weeks before your last spring frost or late summer for a fall bloom. Blue Boy thrives in cool conditions and tolerates light frost, making it perfect for spring or fall displays. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in loose, well-drained soil. Keep soil lightly moist during germination. Thin seedlings to 6 to 12 inches apart when they have two sets of true leaves to encourage strong, upright growth.

How to Grow

Blue Boy grows best in full sun with occasional watering. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant. Deadhead regularly to extend bloom time and prevent self-seeding if a tidy garden is desired. Supports are helpful in windy areas.

How to Save Seeds

  • Allow some blooms to fully mature and dry on the stem
  • Cut dried seed heads and store in a paper bag
  • Shake or crumble heads to release seeds
  • Remove chaff using a mesh screen or by hand
  • Store seeds in a cool, dry, labeled container until next season

FAQ

Can Blue Boy bachelor's buttons grow in partial shade?

Blue Boy performs best in full sun, which is what it needs for sturdy stems and heavy bloom. It will take a little afternoon shade in hot climates, but in less than about 6 hours of direct sun the plants stretch and flower poorly.

How did Blue Boy bachelor's button get its name?

The name is a nod to an old tradition in which men who were courting wore a blue bachelor's button stuck into the buttonhole of their jackets. The electrifying blue double flowers still bloom all season on 3-foot-tall plants.

Is Blue Boy bachelor’s button good for pollinators?

Yes, it’s highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its long blooming period makes it a valuable resource for supporting beneficial insects in gardens and wildflower meadows.

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