Bachelor’s buttons, also known as cornflowers, are not perennial plants. However, they have a wonderful ability to reseed themselves easily, making them a great addition to any garden. If you want to enjoy their beautiful blooms year after year, it’s important to know how to encourage their self-seeding process.
To start, choose a suitable location in your garden where you won’t mind if the bachelor’s buttons come back next year. They are typically low-maintenance plants, so they can be integrated into various garden styles and designs. Consider their height and color when deciding on a spot, as bachelor’s buttons can grow up to three feet tall and come in a range of colors such as blue, pink, white, and purple.
One method to ensure the reseeding of bachelor’s buttons is to scatter their old seed heads all over your garden in the fall. These seed heads contain the seeds that will produce new plants in the following growing season. By distributing them throughout your garden, you increase the chances of them finding suitable soil for germination.
After scattering the seed heads, lightly rake them into the soil or cover them with a thin layer of dirt. This helps protect the seeds from being eaten by birds and ensures they make good contact with the soil. However, avoid burying the seeds too deeply, as they require light to germinate.
It’s important to note that bachelor’s buttons have a preference for well-draining soil, so choose a location that meets this requirement. If your soil tends to be heavy or clay-like, you can amend it with organic matter, such as compost, to improve drainage. This will create an ideal environment for the seeds to germinate and the plants to thrive.
Once the seeds have been scattered and lightly covered, nature will take its course. The seeds will lie dormant throughout the winter months and start germinating in the spring when the conditions are right. Keep the soil moist during this period to support germination and early growth.
As the new plants start to emerge, thin them out if necessary to allow for proper spacing. Bachelor’s buttons prefer to have some space between each plant, as overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation and increased risk of disease. You can transplant the excess seedlings to other areas of your garden or share them with friends and neighbors.
Throughout the growing season, bachelor’s buttons require minimal maintenance. They are relatively drought-tolerant and only need occasional watering during dry spells. Deadheading spent flowers can help prolong blooming, but it’s not necessary for reseeding purposes.
At the end of the season, allow some of the flowers to go to seed, as this will ensure a fresh supply of seeds for the following year. Once the seed heads have dried and turned brown, you can collect them and store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to sow them again or share them with others.
While bachelor’s buttons are not perennials, they do reseed readily, making them a delightful addition to any garden. By scattering their seed heads in the fall and lightly covering them with soil, you can encourage their self-seeding process. Remember to provide suitable growing conditions, such as well-draining soil, and maintain proper spacing between plants. Enjoy the beauty of these charming flowers year after year as they continue to reseed and grace your garden with their vibrant colors.
