When to plant Bachelor's Button in Lewis County, KY
In Lewis County, plant Bachelor's Button in spring between March 26 and April 16, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Lewis County's last frost averages April 23, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between September 8 and September 22 — roughly 60–90 days before the first frost on October 20.
When to Plant Bachelor's Button in Lewis County, KY
June to-do list for Lewis County, Kentucky
Here's what deserves your attention in Lewis County, Kentucky this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6b and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
Lewis County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.
At an elevation of 1,979 feet, Lewis County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Bachelor's Button during the growing season.
Lewis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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 Lewis County
How your county's soil matches Bachelor's Button's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) overlaps with Bachelor's Button's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lewis County is excellent for Bachelor's Button — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). 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 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 08.
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 | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lewis 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 — Lewis County, KY
Bachelor's Button Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Bloom | June 25 | Jun 25 – Sep 17 |
| Fall Sowing | September 8 | Sep 8 – Sep 22 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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
180 days in Lewis County
Growing Tips for Bachelor's Button in Lewis County
Direct sow Bachelor's Button outdoors after April 23 in Lewis 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 Lewis County, KY?
Lewis County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Bachelor's Button planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lewis County, KY?
Lewis County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Bachelor's Button in Lewis County, KY?
In Lewis County, KY, plant Bachelor's Button after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lewis County, KY for Bachelor's Button?
Lewis 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 Lewis County's climate?
Yes — Bachelor's Button grows well in Lewis County's temperate climate. Lewis County averages a 180-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 20.
Your Lewis County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lewis 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.