Bachelors Buttons Centaurea cyanus
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- sen-TAR-ee-ah sigh-AN-us
- Description
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A hardy low maintenance annual with striking blossoms. Tollerates low water conditions but prefers medium moisture well-drained soils. Prefers full sun to light shade, stems will droop with too much shade. Taller plants may need staking. Seeds can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or in mild winter climates can be seeded directly outdoors in the fall.
Plants reseed and naturalizes easily. Is an attractive, long-lasting a cut flower. Seeds attracts birds and nectar attracts butterflies so limit dead-heading if you wish to support wildlife visitors.
Genus name comes from the Greek word kentauros meaning centaur. Specific epithet means blue for flower color.
No serious insect or disease problems to note. Wilt, rots and rusts are possible. Also watch for aphids and mealybugs.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Pink and White Garden
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:


- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Centaurea
- Species:
- cyanus
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Edible
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- Pink
- White
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Good Cut
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Summer
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Leaves:
- Hairs Present:
- No
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Theme:
- Edible Garden
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Songbirds