Bachelor's Buttons
Common Names: Bachelor's Buttons, Centaurea, Cornflower, Blue Bottle Flowers
Botanical names: Centaurea, (sent-ta-REE-a)
Availability: February through September
Vase life: 5 to 7 days
Storage temperatures: 36 - 38 degrees Fahrenheit
Ethylene Sensitive: Yes
Description: With a small, thistle-like appearance, this single flowered stem boasts an intense vibrant blue hue that radiates from the center, outward.
Color: Blue is the most common corn flower color. Bachelor's button flowers are also found in white, pink and yellow.
Botanical facts: The botanical name is from the Greek word Kentaur for Centaur.
Design notes: Excellent filler flowers.
Purchasing hints: Purchase when the blossoms are half open.
Conditioning: Remove all foliage that will be below the water line. Cut two inches off of the stems with a sharp knife. Hydrate in a solution of water and commercial floral food for two hours before storage or usage.
Additional notes: The flowers earned their bachelor moniker from the Victorian Era. Single men would often wear a Cornflower in the buttonhole of their suit when they were courting women. The flower was a symbol of love and availability, and this practice eventually led the flowers to be a popular wedding boutonniere.
Video Demonstration: