Eden Brothers
Cornflower / Bachelor Button Seeds - Almost Black
Best low-maintenance choice for gardeners seeking dramatic, pollinator-friendly floral accents.
Discover the unique beauty of Almost Black Cornflower seeds, offering a rich, deep purple hue that contrasts strikingly in any garden setting. These popular wildflowers, also known as Bachelor Buttons, are an heirloom variety producing long-lasting blooms from spring through summer. They thrive in full sun or partial shade and are notably drought tolerant and resistant to deer. This annual variety features a branching growth habit, reaching heights of 30 to 36 inches. They are excellent for cut flower arrangements and container gardening, while also attracting beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies.
$5.49
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
3177
/ 6090
#3177 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-48%
Below average
Life Cycle
Annual
/ Annual
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-contrast, sophisticated floral displays
- Eco-conscious growers looking to support local pollinator populations
- Floral designers wanting long-lasting, unique stems for arrangements
Who should skip it
- Perfectionists expecting a true, jet-black color profile
- Minimalist gardeners wanting to avoid frequent maintenance or spreading
- Busy growers preferring low-maintenance plants that stand without support
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
The deep, near-black pigment creates a sophisticated focal point in gardens.
Pollinator Appeal
Highly effective at drawing bees and butterflies to your outdoor space.
Growth Versatility
Thrives equally well in garden beds, containers, or cut flower arrangements.
Maintenance Ease
Drought tolerance and deer resistance make this a low-effort heirloom variety.
Climate Adaptability
Wide hardiness range ensures success across almost every growing zone.
Culinary Utility
Edible petals offer a unique, moody aesthetic for creative kitchen plating.
Key Specs
Life Cycle
Annual
Bloom Season
Spring through Summer
Growth Habit
Branching
Plant Height
30 to 36 inches
Sowing Method
Direct Sow, Start Indoors
Botanical Name
Centaurea cyanus
Yield per Area
Packet covers up to 80 Sq. Ft; 1 Ounce covers up to 625 Sq. Ft.
Hardiness Zones
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Features
- Unique, almost black blooms for striking contrast.
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and pollinators.
- Deer resistant for a healthier garden.
- Edible flower petals for culinary use.
- Tolerant of poor soil conditions.
- Heirloom variety with long-lasting blooms.
- Drought tolerant and easy to grow.
- Ideal for cut flowers and containers.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and reliability of these specialty cornflower seeds. The primary delight centers on the impressive germination rate, often exceeding expectations, which speaks directly to the seed viability. Gardeners are thrilled when the unique Almost Black color reliably emerges, providing a dramatic, deep purple accent to their beds. While some note the color leans more toward a very deep burgundy than true black, the overall consensus is that the seeds deliver a high value, robust plant, and a striking visual impact.
Know before you buy
Yes, the petals of the 'Almost Black' Cornflower are edible. They make a beautiful, dark-hued garnish for salads, desserts, or drinks, though they have a mild, slightly spicy flavor.
Absolutely. Because they have a branching growth habit and reach a manageable height of 30 to 36 inches, they perform very well in containers as long as the pot has adequate drainage.
You can do either. While they can be started indoors, they are very easy to direct sow into the garden in either the fall or spring once the soil is workable.
Cornflowers are excellent cut flowers. When harvested at the right stage, they typically last for several days in a vase, making them a great choice for fresh seasonal arrangements.
These are considered deer-resistant, meaning deer are generally less likely to graze on them compared to other garden plants. While no plant is 100% deer-proof, this variety is a reliable choice for gardens in areas with high deer pressure.
They are quite adaptable and are known for being tolerant of poor soil conditions. As long as they receive adequate sunlight and moderate water, they will thrive in most garden environments.
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