Bachelor Buttons Companion Plants

Opening hook: Are you looking for a way to brighten up your garden and attract pollinators? Look no further than bachelor buttons companion plants! These colorful flowers are not only beautiful but also beneficial for other plants in your garden. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for bachelor buttons and how they can enhance your garden.

What Are Bachelor Buttons?

Description

Bachelor buttons, also known as cornflowers, are annual flowers that come in shades of blue, pink, white, and purple. They have a distinctive button-like center surrounded by spiky petals, giving them a unique texture and appearance. They grow up to 3 feet tall and bloom from late spring to early summer.

Benefits

Aside from their beauty, bachelor buttons have several benefits for your garden. They attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which help to fertilize other plants. They also repel pests like aphids and spider mites, making them an excellent companion plant for vegetables and herbs.

Best Companion Plants for Bachelor Buttons

1. Sunflowers

Sunflowers and bachelor buttons make a stunning combination in any garden. Sunflowers provide a tall, sturdy backdrop for bachelor buttons, while the smaller flowers add pops of color and texture. Plus, both plants attract pollinators, so you'll have a buzzing garden all season long.

How to Plant Sunflowers and Bachelor Buttons Together

Plant sunflowers and bachelor buttons together in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Sow the sunflower seeds first, spacing them about 6 inches apart. Once they've sprouted, add bachelor button seeds around the base of each sunflower, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Water regularly and watch your garden come to life!

2. Zinnias

Zinnias and bachelor buttons are another winning combination. Zinnias come in a wide range of colors, from bright orange to soft pink, so you can choose a color scheme that complements your bachelor buttons. They also attract butterflies and other pollinators.

How to Plant Zinnias and Bachelor Buttons Together

Plant zinnias and bachelor buttons together in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Sow the zinnia seeds first, spacing them about 6 inches apart. Once they've sprouted, add bachelor button seeds around the base of each zinnia, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Water regularly and enjoy the show!

3. Marigolds

Marigolds and bachelor buttons make a colorful and practical pair. Marigolds repel nematodes, which are tiny worms that can damage the roots of plants. This makes them an excellent companion plant for vegetables like tomatoes and peppers. Plus, their bright yellow and orange flowers complement the blue and purple hues of bachelor buttons.

How to Plant Marigolds and Bachelor Buttons Together

Plant marigolds and bachelor buttons together in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Sow the marigold seeds first, spacing them about 6 inches apart. Once they've sprouted, add bachelor button seeds around the base of each marigold, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Water regularly and watch your garden thrive!

Other Companion Plants for Bachelor Buttons

1. Lavender

Lavender and bachelor buttons both have a calming effect on people and pollinators alike. Lavender is also known to repel pests like moths and fleas, making it an excellent companion plant for other flowers and herbs.

2. Sage

Sage and bachelor buttons are both drought-tolerant plants that thrive in hot, dry weather. Sage also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies and has medicinal properties that make it a useful herb for cooking and health.

3. Cosmos

Cosmos and bachelor buttons have similar growing habits and complement each other well in the garden. Cosmos come in shades of pink, white, and purple and attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.

How to Care for Bachelor Buttons Companion Plants

Watering

Bachelor buttons and their companion plants prefer well-draining soil and moderate watering. Water them deeply once a week or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Fertilizing

You can fertilize bachelor buttons and their companion plants with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.

Pruning

Deadhead your bachelor buttons regularly to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding. You can also trim back leggy stems to promote bushier growth and a neater appearance.


In bachelor buttons companion plants are a great way to add color, texture, and pollinator-attracting power to your garden. Sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds, lavender, sage, and cosmos are just a few of the many plants that pair well with bachelor buttons. By planting these flowers together, you'll create a thriving ecosystem that benefits both your garden and the environment.

FAQs

Q1: Are bachelor buttons easy to grow?

A: Yes, bachelor buttons are relatively low-maintenance plants that thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. They're also drought-tolerant and resistant to pests and diseases.

Q2: What colors do bachelor buttons come in?

A: Bachelor buttons come in shades of blue, pink, white, and purple. Some varieties also have bicolor or multicolor blooms.

Q3: Can I eat bachelor buttons?

A: Yes, bachelor buttons are edible and can be added to salads or used as a garnish. However, make sure to only eat them if they've been grown organically and haven't been treated with pesticides.

Q4: What other pollinator-attracting plants can I grow with bachelor buttons?

A: Some other plants that attract pollinators and pair well with bachelor buttons include bee balm, coneflowers, salvia, and phlox.

Q5: How long do bachelor buttons bloom for?

A: Bachelor buttons typically bloom from late spring to early summer, but you can extend their blooming period by deadheading regularly and planting them with other flowers that have different blooming periods.