(Centaurea cyanus) Black ball is a stunning selection of this classic cottage garden flower with deep dark garnet blooms held high amidst silvery green foliage. Bushy branching 2-3' plants make wonderful long-stemmed cut flowers and the edible petals are lovely for fancying up a salad or dessert. Also, one of the coolest looking seeds around! Similar (or possibly even the same) as the cultivar “Garnet Gem”. Wonderful at attracting pollinators, long-blooming, and cold/frost tolerant.
60 days. UO

Packet: 75 seeds

[split]

Growing Info

SOWING:

Sow indoors 4 weeks before your last frost.

Transplant out after last frost or after your last hard frost.

May direct seed in early Spring.

Note: Cold hardy to light frosts.

PLANTING DEPTH:

1/2"

SPACING:

10-12" between plants in rows 15" apart.

EMERGENCE:

7-14 days @ soil temp 60-70F

LIGHT:

Full sun

FERTILITY:

Average. Grow in all soils although well-drained and evenly moist soil is preferred.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

While not absolutely necessary, these definitely benefit from support to keep them upright and tidy.

Attracts pollinators!

Edible flowers are perfect for tea and sprinkling on cakes and salads.

Harvest flowers or branching stems when 1/4-1/3 open and expect a vase life of 7 days.

Bachelor's Button, 'Black Ball'