When to plant Bachelor's Button in Drew County County,
In Drew County County, plant Bachelor's Button in spring between January 28 and February 18, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Drew County County's last frost averages March 18, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between September 15 and September 29 — roughly 90 days before the first frost on November 10.
When to Plant Bachelor's Button in Drew County, AR
June in Drew County, Arkansas — your action list
Your garden in Drew County, Arkansas is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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Pick bachelor's button
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- First harvests: bachelor's button
Bachelor's Button (Centaurea cyanus), also called cornflower, is a carefree cool-season annual best known for its vivid cobalt-blue flowers — one of the truest blues in the annual garden. It tolerates light frosts, self-seeds prolifically, and thrives in poor to average soils. A traditional cut flower and pollinator magnet, it has been cultivated in gardens for centuries.
Drew County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 18 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 237 days.
At an elevation of 1,158 feet, Drew County receives approximately 54.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Bachelor's Button during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Bachelor's Button root diseases.
Drew County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Bachelor's Button Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Drew County
How your county's soil matches Bachelor's Button's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.8) overlaps with Bachelor's Button's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Drew County is excellent for Bachelor's Button — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Bachelor's Button.
How to Plant Bachelor's Button
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Bachelor's Button
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 15.
Bachelor's Button Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Bachelor's Button
Bachelor's Button needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Bachelor's Button Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Drew County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Bachelor's Button Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Bachelor's Button Planting Timeline — Drew County, AR
Bachelor's Button Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Direct Sow | January 28 | Jan 28 – Feb 18 |
| Bloom | April 29 | Apr 29 – Aug 26 |
| Fall Sowing | September 15 | Sep 15 – Sep 29 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 12" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
237 days in Drew County
Growing Tips for Bachelor's Button in Drew County
Direct sow Bachelor's Button outdoors after March 18 in Drew County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Bachelor's Button in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct-sow in early spring as soon as soil can be worked; seeds need a brief cold period for best germination (refrigerate for a few days before planting if spring arrives quickly). In zones 6+, fall-sow for the earliest spring bloom. Thin to 12 inches; do not over-fertilize — too much nitrogen produces foliage at the expense of flowers. Deadhead to prolong blooming or allow self-seeding for a naturalized colony.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Bachelor's Button in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Bachelor's Button in Drew County, AR?
Drew County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 18. Plan your Bachelor's Button planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Drew County, AR?
Drew County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 18 and first fall frost is November 10.
When should I plant Bachelor's Button in Drew County, ?
In Drew County, , plant Bachelor's Button after the last frost (around March 18) and before the first frost (around November 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Drew County, for Bachelor's Button?
Drew County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Bachelor's Button grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Bachelor's Button grow in Drew County's climate?
Yes — Bachelor's Button grows well in Drew County's temperate climate. Drew County averages a 237-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 18 and first frost around November 10.
Your Drew County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Drew County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.