How to Grow Colorful, Edible Bachelor Buttons in NYC

Where it Fits in NYC

List all icons of attributes directly under header image above like: container sizes, indoor/outdoor, hydroponic, spaces, click here to get seeds, difficulty, pollinator, cool/warm weather, perennial/annual, best month to plant, best month to harvest, etc.

Why I Grow It

Bachelor Buttons are a staple in my garden because they are so low-maintenance. They perform well in containers and don't require perfect, high-end soil to look great. Their upright growth habit is a huge plus for tucking them into a planter with other crops. I can plant them right next to my arugula or lettuce without the flowers overcrowding. I love seeing those bright splashes of color throughout the season. It’s an easy way to harvest edible petals and keep the garden looking vibrant all summer long.

get your seeds now

Growth Essentials

Light

Indoors: Not suitable for indoor growing; best grown outdoors in pots or planters.

Outdoors: Bachelor buttons require 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

Water

Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist, especially during hot weather. Mulching helps retain moisture.

Temperature

Bachelor buttons are a cool weather crop and thrive in 60-75°F, ideally 65-70°F. Plant outdoors in early spring in NYC zone 7b. Cool weather encourages vibrant blooms.

Containers

Outdoor Planting Only: 8-10" wide, 8-10" deep, 2-3 gallons

Soil

Bachelor buttons thrive in well-draining potting mix with compost and/or worm castings.

Fertilizer

Use balanced, water-soluble fertilizer 10-10-10 every 4-6 weeks.

Organic Options: compost, fish emulsion, bone meal. Moderate feeding supports continuous flowering.

Harvesting Tips

Harvest flowers regularly to encourage more blooms. Regular picking promotes continuous flowering, ensuring a supply of colorful, edible blooms.

Harvest Time

Moderate: 10-12 Weeks

Small bouquet of blue bachelor buttons (cornflowers) grown on a New York City balcony garden.

Why is my plant wilting?

Why It's Happening:

Bachelor's buttons are drought-tolerant, but the heat reflecting off NYC brick and glass can bake a pot's soil faster than the plant can drink.

‍

How to Fix It:

Water deeply in the morning. If the soil is bone dry, give it a soak. Adding a layer of compost on top of the soil helps keep the roots cool in the city heat.

What are these tiny bugs on the stems?

Why It's Happening:

Aphids love the slender stems of these flowers. They thrive in the warm, stagnant air found on many NYC balconies and windowsills.

‍

How to Fix It:

Buy ladybugs to release on your plants to eat the aphids! You can also wash them off with a spray of water or use a mild soapy water mix.

Why is it growing so slowly?

Why It's Happening:

In the city, container-grown flowers quickly use up the limited nutrients in their potting mix, leading to stunted growth.

‍

How to Fix It:

Use a balanced 10-10-10 plant food once a month. Mixing in worm castings when planting gives them a steady vitamin boost to reach full height.

Why are the leaves turning yellow?

Why It's Happening:

This usually means the roots are staying too wet. NYC humidity prevents soil from drying out, especially in pots without enough holes.

‍

How to Fix It:

Ensure your pot has excellent drainage. Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Adding worm castings helps keep the soil airy and healthy.

Why is there white powder on the leaves?

Why It's Happening:

This is Powdery Mildew. It happens because city air often gets "trapped" between tall buildings and doesn't circulate well.

‍

How to Fix It:

Space your plants out so air can flow around them. Avoid getting water on the leaves. Use beneficial nematodes in the soil to help the plant's overall immune system.

Grows Together With (Companion Planting)

Close-up of a basket filled with freshly harvested tomatoes

Tomatoes

Red Thai chili peppers growing in a container garden in New York City

Chili Peppers

Green bell peppers growing on the plant in a container garden

Sweet Peppers

Red leaf lettuce rosette growing tightly in a New York City garden

Bibb Lettuce

Health & Nutrition Spotlight

Bachelor buttons, edible flowers, contain anti-inflammatory flavonoids and can be used in teas to help soothe digestion and boost the immune system.

Curated Gear For Growing

Down To Earth Organic Vegetable Garden Fertilizer 4-4-4

This is my favorite foundational fertilizer for containers because it’s gentle and perfect for feeding a wide mix of vegetables

Down To Earth Organic Tomato & Vegetable Fertilizer 4-6-2

This is one of my go-to all purpose fertilizers for container veggies because it feeds slowly keeping plants balanced

Down To Earth Organic Azomite Trace Mineral Powder

Down To Earth Organic Azomite Trace Mineral Powder

Plants need trace minerals just like we do, I add azomite every spring to keep soil balanced and crops more flavorful especially in containers

Wakefield Premium Biochar Blend Organic Potting Soil

Wakefield Premium Biochar Blend Organic Potting Soil

I like this for containers and raised beds when I want better nutrient holding power and steadier watering especially for heavy feeding vegetables

Organic Perlite Soil Amendment

Organic Perlite Soil Amendment

I use this in almost every soil mix to prevent compaction and keep roots healthy especially in containers

Premium Organic Compost

Premium Organic Compost

Great for topping off containers and garden beds when soil needs a gentle nutrient boost without a strong odor

Organic Mushroom Compost Soil Conditioner

Organic Mushroom Compost Soil Conditioner

Great for refreshing tired soil and boosting beds and large containers especially outdoors

Organic Cow Manure Garden Fertilizer

Organic Cow Manure Garden Fertilizer

I only use this outdoors to build soil fertility and improve texture in garden beds and large containers

Organic Vermiculite Soil Amendment

I use vermiculite for seed starting and indoor mixes because it keeps soil evenly moist without compacting which is key in containers and trays

Organic Worm Castings Soil Amendment

I use this as a top dressing or adding to my soil mix because it improves plant health and works especially well in containers

Compressed Organic Potting Soil Made from Coconut Coir and Worm Castings

This is great for small spaces and apartments because it stores easily, expands fast and holds moisture really well without getting soggy

Professional Peat Based Potting Mix with Mycorrhizae

Professional Peat Based Potting Mix with Mycorrhizae

This is my go to base soil mix for containers and seed starting, the mycorrhizae really help roots establish faster especially in pots and grow bags

Organic All Purpose Plant Food 5-3-3

Organic All Purpose Plant Food 5-3-3

I use this for vegetables in containers and raised beds it’s reliable, gentle and great for long term feeding

Premium Potting Soil with Mycorrhizae for Container Plants

Premium Potting Soil with Mycorrhizae for Container Plants

I love this for containers because the mycorrhizae help roots establish fast especially in pots on balconies and terraces

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Container Gardener’s Handbook

Great reference book for beginners who want simple reliable container growing advice for balconies, patios and indoors

The Vegetable Gardener’s Container Bible

One of the best beginner friendly books for learning how to grow real food in containers even on patios, balconies and terraces

The Bountiful Container

The Bountiful Container

A classic container gardening book that proves you can grow almost anything in pots, perfect for balconies, terraces and small urban spaces

Grow Bag Gardening Book

This is a sustainable resource for urban gardeners using balconies, rooftops or small outdoor spaces who want high yields without heavy containers

24-Inch Watering Wand with Gentle Shower Head

24-Inch Watering Wand with Gentle Shower Head

My favorite watering wand - perfect for hanging baskets, tall containers, and hard-to-reach spots, and the ultra-gentle shower is great for seedlings

2 Gallon Outdoor Watering Can with Removable Long Spout

2 Gallon Outdoor Watering Can with Removable Long Spout

Perfect for balcony and patio gardeners who don’t have an outdoor hose hookup

Adjustable Drip Irrigation System Kit for Garden & Raised Beds

I use this to water my outdoor garden, it keeps plants consistently watered and saves a ton of time, especially in the summer

Thermal Transfer Waterproof Labels for Label Makers

Thermal Transfer Waterproof Labels for Label Makers

I love these because they stay readable in blazing summer sun and rain

Waterproof Plastic Plant Labels T Style

Waterproof Plastic Plant Labels T Style

I love these because they last forever and come in colors that are easy to organize

Professional Bypass Pruning Shears Swiss Made

Professional Bypass Pruning Shears Swiss Made

I love these because they feel perfect in hand and make the cleanest cuts

Aluminum Garden Hand Tool Set 3 Pack

Aluminum Garden Hand Tool Set 3 Pack

I like this because it is a simple solid starter set for growing food outdoors

Self Watering Resin Planter 3 Gallon

Self Watering Resin Planter 3 Gallon

I have used these for years and they hold up even in the summer heat

Compact Vertical Indoor Hydroponic Growing System

Compact Vertical Indoor Hydroponic Growing System

I love this because it grows a lot of food indoors without taking up much space

Large Vertical Hydroponic Growing System 5 Tier

Large Vertical Hydroponic Growing System 5 Tier

I love this for experienced growers ready to scale up to serious indoor hydroponics

Vertical Indoor Hydroponic Growing System 2 Tier

Vertical Indoor Hydroponic Growing System 2 Tier

I love this because it lets you go all in on hydroponics indoors with real yields

Large One Handed Salad Spinner 6.3 Qt

Large One Handed Salad Spinner 6.3 Qt

I use this for washing fresh harvests from the garden, ready to eat in minutes

Elevated Wooden Raised Garden Bed with Storage Shelf

Great for terrace or backyard gardening, the raised height makes planting most anything easier

Tall Rectangular Metal Planter with Insert Shelf

Tall Rectangular Metal Planter with Insert Shelf

Great for terraces, the elevated look feels architectural and works well for nearly all plants

Raised Self Watering Garden Bed with Gauge 12.7 Gallons

Raised Self Watering Garden Bed with Gauge 12.7 Gallons

One of my favorite planters I have grown almost everything in these perfect for intercropping

14 Inch Modern Concrete Style Planter with Drainage

14 Inch Modern Concrete Style Planter with Drainage

A classy option for patios and terraces I'd have one main tomato or pepper with herbs or lettuces

Acacia Wood Barrel Planters Set of 3

Acacia Wood Barrel Planters Set of 3

A cute option for outdoor herb gardens great for starting an herb garden

Tall Wicker Style Self Watering Planters 24 Inch 2 Pack

Tall Wicker Style Self Watering Planters 24 Inch 2 Pack

Great for balconies or patios and I would grow one tomato or pepper plant along with basil or lettuce

14 Inch Whiskey Barrel Style Planters 4 Pack

14 Inch Whiskey Barrel Style Planters 4 Pack

A cuter upgrade from basic black pots great for beginners with a backyard, terrace or patio

5 Gallon Fabric Grow Bags 10 Pack nyc garden

5 Gallon Fabric Grow Bags 10 Pack

If you are growing tomatoes, squash or cucumbers outdoors these 10 bags can be your entire setup

6 8 10 Inch Plant Saucer - 12 Pack Round Plant Tray Plastic Plant Drip Trays for Indoor Outdoor Garden Plants, Collects Flower Pot Drainage and Excess Water

Heavy-Duty Plant Saucers (6”–10”) – 12 Pack

I use these to catch rain water that plants can soak up when needed

Elephant Watering Can

Long trunk which helps in watering plants.

Still have questions?

I'm here to help!

Submit a Question on Our Forum Contact Me