Tall Double Mix

Family: Asteraceae Flower

Feathery, cloudlike blooms arrive in a tall, airy show—each head a layered burst of color that feels almost velvet to the eye.

Tall Double Mix carries a rich range of double Bachelor’s Button flowers in shades from cool blues to rosy pinks and warm purples, with a satisfying, long-lasting presence in the garden. Grow it for striking cut-flower impact and for a steady parade of color from early summer into fall—an easy, elegant favorite for borders and sunny beds.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Upright

Botanical illustration of Tall Double Mix

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	65
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

These double Bachelor’s Button petals bring a noticeable, slightly gentian bitterness that reads crisp rather than soapy, which is exactly what you want on bright, acidic plates. Use them as a finishing garnish or quick-steep so their floral perfume stays forward and their texture doesn’t turn limp.

Best Uses

as a garnish on citrusy salads where the bitterness brightens the bite
chopped fine into compound butter for quick-melting bread topping
steeped briefly for a delicate floral tea or spritz syrup
folded into chilled grain salads to perfume without wilting fast

Flavor Profile

gentian-bitter snap at the finish lightly floral, perfumed aroma tender petals with a velvety mouthfeel subtle herbal greenness under the sweetness

Kitchen Pairings

lemon honey goat cheese olive oil white fish balsamic vinegar

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Centaurea cyanus (cornflower), and how can I manage it?

Cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus) are prone to powdery mildew, especially with humid nights and crowded plants. Water at the soil line, space plants to improve airflow, and remove any heavily white-covered leaves early. If it keeps spreading, treat with a labeled fungicide for powdery mildew and repeat as directed until new growth is clean.

How often should I water Centaurea cyanus during the main growing phase?

During active growth (roughly from establishment to flowering), keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy—about 1 inch of water per week, adjusted for heat and rainfall. Water deeply when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry, since cornflower roots don’t like constant wetness. In full sun, container-grown plants typically need more frequent checks to prevent the root ball from drying out completely.

How do I know when Centaurea cyanus is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the double flowers are fully colored and the buds at the flower head are just opening, which is typically around 75 days from sowing. Pick in the morning after dew dries for best petal quality and longest vase life. If you’re harvesting for seed, leave heads on the plant until they turn brown and dry, then collect the seed heads once they feel crisp.