When to plant Bachelor's Button in Phillips County, AR
In Zone 8a (Phillips County), direct-sow Bachelor's Button between January 31 and February 21 for spring, after the March 14 last-frost mark. A second sowing from September 17 to October 1 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Bachelor's Button in Phillips County, AR
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.
Phillips County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 243 days.
At an elevation of 678 feet, Phillips County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Bachelor's Button during the growing season.
Phillips County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Bachelor's Button
Bachelor's Button needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Bachelor's Button Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Phillips County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Bachelor's Button Planting Timeline — Phillips County, AR
Bachelor's Button Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Direct Sow | January 31 | Jan 31 – Feb 21 |
| Bloom | May 2 | May 2 – Aug 15 |
| Fall Sowing | September 17 | Sep 17 – Oct 1 |
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 | — |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
243 days in Phillips County
Growing Tips for Phillips County
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 Phillips County, AR?
Phillips County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Bachelor's Button planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Phillips County, AR?
Phillips County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 12.
When should I plant Bachelor's Button in Phillips County, AR?
In Phillips County, AR, plant Bachelor's Button after the last frost (around March 14) and before the first frost (around November 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Phillips County, AR for Bachelor's Button?
Phillips County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Bachelor's Button grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Bachelor's Button grow in Phillips County's climate?
Yes — Bachelor's Button grows well in Phillips County's temperate climate. Phillips County averages a 243-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 14 and first frost around November 12.
Your Phillips County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Phillips County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.