Centaurea, Bachelor's Button, Cornflower 'Black Ball'

Centaureacyanus

Family
Asteraceae (ass-ter-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Centaurea (sen-TAR-ee-uh)
Species
cyanus (SY-an-us)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Foliage
Herbaceous
Succulent
Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing
6-9 in. (15-22 cm)
Hardiness
Not Applicable
Danger
N/A
Bloom Color
Dark Purple/Black
Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other Details
Category
Annuals
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Bronze
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Flowers are good for drying and preserving
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline)
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season
Seed Collecting
Collect seedhead/pod when flowers fade; allow to dry
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Broomfield, Colorado

Middlefield, Connecticut

Barbourville, Kentucky

Foxboro, Massachusetts

, Walloon Region

Kalama, Washington

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Gardener's Notes:

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positive
0
neutral
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negative
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H
H
Dallas, TX (Zone 8a) | June 2005 | negative

I planted 24 Bachelor's Buttons in my garden about 3.5 weeks ago knowing it was a little late to plant them, but hoping to enjoy their co...Read More

L
Ogden, UT (Zone 5b) | January 2005 | positive

This tall cornflower has very dark, reddish-purple (almost black) flowers with silvery-green foliage.

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