When to plant Bachelor's Button in Franklin County, KY
Franklin County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Plant Bachelor's Button between March 14 (after last frost on April 11) and April 4. A second sowing from September 14 to September 28 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Bachelor's Button in Franklin County, KY
June in the garden — Franklin County, Kentucky
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Franklin County, Kentucky.
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.
Franklin County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 3,532 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 44.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Bachelor's Button during the growing season.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-7
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 Franklin County
How your county's soil matches Bachelor's Button's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–7.0) overlaps with Bachelor's Button's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Franklin County is excellent for Bachelor's Button — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Bachelor's Button.
How to Plant Bachelor's Button
Fall planting: Sow 6 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Bachelor's Button
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 28 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 14.
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 | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Franklin 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 — Franklin County, KY
Bachelor's Button Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Direct Sow | March 14 | Mar 14 – Apr 4 |
| Bloom | June 13 | Jun 13 – Sep 5 |
| Fall Sowing | September 14 | Sep 14 – Sep 28 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 12" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| 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
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Franklin County
Growing Tips for Bachelor's Button in Franklin County
Direct sow Bachelor's Button outdoors after April 11 in Franklin 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 Franklin County, KY?
Franklin County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Bachelor's Button planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, KY?
Franklin County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Bachelor's Button in Franklin County, KY?
In Franklin County, KY, plant Bachelor's Button after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Franklin County, KY for Bachelor's Button?
Franklin County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Bachelor's Button grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Bachelor's Button grow in Franklin County's climate?
Yes — Bachelor's Button grows well in Franklin County's temperate climate. Franklin County averages a 198-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 26.
Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.