When to plant Bachelor's Button in Lawrence County, KY
In Lawrence County, plant Bachelor's Button in spring between March 17 and April 7, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Lawrence County's last frost averages April 14, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between September 14 and September 28 — roughly 60–90 days before the first frost on October 26.
When to Plant Bachelor's Button in Lawrence County, KY
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.
Lawrence County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.
At an elevation of 2,351 feet, Lawrence County receives approximately 40.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Bachelor's Button during the growing season.
Lawrence County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.8
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 | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lawrence County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Bachelor's Button Planting Timeline — Lawrence County, KY
Bachelor's Button Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 17 | Mar 17 – Apr 7 |
| Bloom | June 16 | Jun 16 – Sep 8 |
| 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 | — |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
195 days in Lawrence County
Growing Tips for Lawrence 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 Lawrence County, KY?
Lawrence County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Bachelor's Button planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lawrence County, KY?
Lawrence County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Bachelor's Button in Lawrence County, KY?
In Lawrence County, KY, plant Bachelor's Button after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lawrence County, KY for Bachelor's Button?
Lawrence 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 Lawrence County's climate?
Yes — Bachelor's Button grows well in Lawrence County's temperate climate. Lawrence County averages a 195-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 26.
Your Lawrence County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lawrence 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.