Quick Reference:

Annual, a plant that completes it’s life cycle in one season. Germinates in 7-14 days at an optimum soil temperature of 65 degrees F. Seed needs darkness for germination; cover seed with soil 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep spaced 1 to 2 inches apart. Cover container with black plastic until seedlings emerge. Ideal plant spacing in the garden is 8 to 10 inches. Plant height: 16 to 24 inches.

When and where to grow:

Bachelor's Button is an easy to grow plant that blooms mid summer in Alaska when the seed is planted directly in the garden and can be planted as soon as the soil can be prepared and has warmed in the spring. Choose a location in full sun with any good, sandy, well-drained garden soil, cultivate, smooth the soil surface, enrich with plant food, sprinkle seed on the soil surface, cover seed completely with fine soil, requires darkness to germinate, water well for good seed-soil contact and keep moist until the seedlings emerge. For earlier bloom, seed may be started indoors in a container filled with sterilized potting soil 4-5 weeks ahead, grow in a sunny spot that is cool at night, 50 to 55 degrees F, and plant outdoors after the last frost, transplants easily.

Care:

Water moderately, will withstand drought conditions. Bachelor's Button is a very forgiving plant. An excellent plant for a child’s first garden.