How to Save Bachelor’s Button Seeds for Planting

Bachelor’s buttons, also known as cornflowers, are delightful flowers that bring a pop of color to any garden. Whether you prefer bright blue, pink, purple, or white Centaurea cyanus flowers, these members of the Asteraceae family are a favorite among gardeners for their beauty and easy maintenance.

Planting bachelor’s buttons right before the first frost can result in early spring blooms that last for months. These flowers are not only attractive to pollinators but also have edible blooms, adding a dual purpose to their appeal. If you love these cheerful blooms as much as I do, you might want to consider saving the seeds at the end of the season.

In this article, I will guide you through the process of saving bachelor’s button seeds, ensuring that you have plenty to plant next year and share with friends. Let’s dive into the simple steps to save cornflower seeds together.

How to Save Bachelor’s Button Seeds

Table of Contents

When it comes to saving bachelor’s button seeds for planting, there are a few key steps to keep in mind:

Take Action When They Form Seeds
Harvesting
Storing

Take Action When They Form Seeds

Bachelor’s buttons are not only loved by gardeners but also attract songbirds, making them a popular choice for both humans and wildlife. However, this can pose a challenge when it comes to saving seeds for the next season, as birds may also enjoy feasting on these seeds.

To ensure you have a successful seed-saving endeavor, pay attention to when the flowers start forming seeds. Once the petals begin to fade and turn brown, the seeds start to develop within the base of each flower. If you notice that the birds are consuming the seeds, consider covering a few of the remaining blooms with bird netting to protect them until you can harvest.

Harvesting

While deadheading bachelor’s buttons is a common practice to promote more blooms, it is also essential to leave some spent flowers on the stalks to collect seeds. Focus on saving seeds towards the end of the season when the flowers have dried up completely.

You can either wait for the flowers to dry on the stalks or cut them and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place. Once the flowers are completely dry at the base, gently rub them open to release the seeds from the chaff. The seeds will have tufts of fluff on top and appear black at the bottom. Separate the seeds from the chaff and allow the tufts to dry for a few days before storing.

Storing

After separating the seeds from the chaff, let the tufts dry on a tray or screen in a cool, dry location for a couple of days. Store the seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from humidity. These saved seeds will be ready for planting in the spring before the last expected frost.

By following these simple steps, you can save bachelor’s button seeds successfully and have a bountiful supply for the upcoming season.

Spread the Bachelor’s Button Cheer

Having extra bachelor’s button seeds on hand not only allows you to plant more in your garden but also gives you the opportunity to share them with friends and family. If you encounter any challenges during the seed-saving process, remember that there are reputable sources where you can purchase seeds for these lovely blooms.

I hope this guide has been helpful in your seed-saving endeavors. Feel free to share your experiences or ask questions in the comments section below. For more inspiration on growing flowers in your garden, check out these other helpful guides: