When to plant Bachelor's Button in Logan County, IL
Plant Bachelor's Button in Logan County, when soil hits 50°F — usually March 18. Continue planting through April 8 for the spring crop. A second sowing from September 4 to September 18 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Bachelor's Button in Logan County, IL
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.
Logan County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 184 days.
At an elevation of 1,132 feet, Logan County receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Bachelor's Button to ensure they mature before fall.
Logan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Logan County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Bachelor's Button Planting Timeline — Logan County, IL
Bachelor's Button Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Direct Sow | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 8 |
| Bloom | June 17 | Jun 17 – Sep 2 |
| Fall Sowing | September 4 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 12" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Fall Sowing Bloom |
| October | — |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
184 days in Logan County
Growing Tips for Logan 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 Logan County, IL?
Logan County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Bachelor's Button planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Logan County, IL?
Logan County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Bachelor's Button in Logan County, IL?
In Logan County, IL, plant Bachelor's Button after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Logan County, IL for Bachelor's Button?
Logan County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Bachelor's Button grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Bachelor's Button grow in Logan County's climate?
Yes — Bachelor's Button grows well in Logan County's temperate climate. Logan County averages a 184-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 16.
Your Logan County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Logan County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.