Bachelor’s Button - A Plant of the Asteraceae Family

This is one of those flowers which have many other names like Cornflower, Basketflower, Bluebiottle etc. This flower is native to Europe and Asia and belongs to Asteraceae family. This is a drought tolerant annual flower; upper half of the plant is multi stemmed and produces many flowers.  These are very tall plants that grow between 16 and 35 inches. They blooms in two different styles the one which has wider bloom and the interior will have smaller bloom. These flowers are in different colors like pink, lavender, black, white but original color of flowers is blue and then it turns into various colors. These flowers resemble tiny carnations but they have pointed papery petals. They have a mild aroma of peppery clove and flavor of sweet spice. The name Bachelor Button has arrived from bachelors wearing these flowers in the jacket’s button hole to let the ladies know they are single. These flowers symbolize wealth, prosperity, fortune and friendships. This flower also has a strong symbolic meaning in many cultures and religions. It is the national flower of Estonia and symbolizes daily bread to Estonians.  

---

Uses of Bachelor’s Button

---

• The most common use of this flower is that it is used in boutonnieres.
• They are also used as cut flowers and to make flower arrangements.
• As they are edible people also use them add color to different recipes and dishes and also used to garnish some dishes and salads.
• They are also used in many herbal teas like Lady Grey Tea.
• They can be grown on Roadsides, borders, vacant lots and in flower gardens.

---

Interesting Facts

---

• They would remain in amazing color all summer long.
• Plant them in combination with red poppies and snapdragon to make your garden look ethereal.
• These plants are drought tolerant and attractive to bees and other pollinators.
• This plant is discovered in the tomb of King Tutankhamen and so they were woven into beautiful wreath and given to King to help him in his afterlife.
• Fruit of cornflower is yellowish and produces edible flowers that taste like cucumber.

---

Soil Needed

---

• It requires balanced soil.
• They are quite hardy and so grow in moist soil.

---

How to Plant?

---

• Grow this plant in early spring as it blooms between June and August.
• It does not require a lot of water but does require full sun.
• It takes one to four weeks to germinate.
• They can be easily grown from sed.
• Sow the seeds outdoors after the last frost beneath the surface of the soil.

---

Maintenance and Care

---

• Deadheading will produce more blooms.
• You can support the plant by allowing them to grow through a peony ring.
• Fertilize once a month and remove the old flowers to prolong the blooming season.
• If they are treated properly they would also start self sowing after some time.
• Avoid overhead watering and space the plants properly to improve air circulation.
• To prevent infection apply organic fungicides.