When to plant Bachelor's Button in Compton, CA
Aim to plant Bachelor's Button in Compton on or after January 16; the window stays open through February 6. Compton's 232-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 29 to September 12 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Bachelor's Button in Compton, CA
Top priorities for Los Angeles County, California gardeners in August
August is a pivotal month for Los Angeles County, California gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
Plant fall tomatoes & peppers
Late August is your fall transplant window. Pick heat-tolerant determinate tomatoes (Heatmaster, Solar Fire, Phoenix). They'll set fruit through fall.
-
Direct-sow brassicas indoors or in shade
Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts germinate better in cooler conditions. Start indoors or under shade cloth, transplant in September.
-
Refresh mulch & drip lines
Check drip irrigation for clogs (afternoon thunderstorm grit). Top off mulch in all beds before the cool-season crops go in.
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.
Compton, California is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.
At an elevation of 1,315 feet, Los Angeles County receives approximately 12.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Bachelor's Button during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Bachelor's Button successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Compton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.5
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 Compton
How your county's soil matches Bachelor's Button's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.5) overlaps with Bachelor's Button's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Los Angeles County is excellent for Bachelor's Button — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Bachelor's Button.
How to Plant Bachelor's Button
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Bachelor's Button
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 29.
Bachelor's Button Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.2" | 0.4" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.1" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 0.2" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 0.6" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Los Angeles 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 — Compton, CA
Bachelor's Button Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Direct Sow | January 16 | Jan 16 – Feb 6 |
| Bloom | April 10 | Apr 10 – Jul 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 29 | Aug 29 – Sep 12 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 12" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10b
📆 Growing Season
232 days in Los Angeles County
Growing Tips for Bachelor's Button in Compton
Direct sow Bachelor's Button outdoors after April 03 in Los Angeles 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.
Los Angeles County receives only 13" of rain annually. Bachelor's Button needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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
When should I plant Bachelor's Button in Compton, CA?
In Compton, CA, plant Bachelor's Button after the last frost (around April 3) and before the first frost (around November 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Compton, CA for Bachelor's Button?
Compton sits in USDA Zone 10b. Bachelor's Button grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Bachelor's Button grow in Compton's climate?
Yes — Bachelor's Button grows well in Compton's temperate climate. Compton averages a 232-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 3 and first frost around November 21.
Your Los Angeles County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Los Angeles County (Zone 10b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.