Learn How to Grow Craspedia (Billy buttons) in this article. It looks great in garden borders. You can also use it in vases and floral arrangements.
It is native to Australia and belongs to the daisy family. The plant forms the rosette of leaves and yellow spherical flowers that resemble small tennis balls and are very decorative. It blooms year-round in warm climates and can grow up to 4 – 24 inches tall, depending on the variety.
USDA Zones: 9-11, * can be grown as annuals in other zones
Difficulty: Easy
Other Names: Billy balls, billy buttons, woollyheads, and drumstick flower
How to Grow Craspedia
Propagation and Planting
It can be propagated from division or seeds. Propagation from seeds is quick and easy. Sow seeds in spring or in summer. Sprinkle seeds on the soil and rake the surface gently to cover the seeds. It takes about 1-3 weeks for seeds to germinate.
Once the seedlings are ready, dig small holes of the same depth and twice the width of their root ball and plant them, spacing each 8 to 10 inches apart.
Position
For growing Craspedia (billy buttons), choose a location that is warm, open, and receives full sun.
Requirements for Growing Billy Buttons
Sun
Exposure to full sun is required, at least 6 six hours of direct sunlight helps the plant to bloom profusely.
Soil
Craspedia grows in all types of soil, except acidic and there are no other special requirements. Practically, it is better to grow it in light and well-drained soil.
Watering
Craspedia grows in fairly dry but cool soil, so it is better to water only when you find top one-inch layer dry.
Craspedia Care
Craspedia is usually a low maintenance plant and doesn’t require special care.
Fertilizer
Growing Craspedia doesn’t require the application of additional fertilizer. However, you can fertilize it once at the beginning of the growing season with slow-release 7-12-7 fertilizer. While planting, you can incorporate compost or aged manure.
Mulching
As Craspedia prefers cool roots, it is better to cover it with a mulch of straws or use gravel.
Pests and Diseases
It is resistant to diseases and rarely attacked by a few common pests like spider mites, snails, and slugs.
Craspedia Uses
The plant is used as a decorative plant near borders. You can also plant it in pots and window boxes. It’s a great cut flower too and looks good in vases and bouquets. See more cut flower plants here.
how to start billy buttons from seed?
would like to know
As per the article…
Propagation and Planting
It can be propagated from division or seeds. Propagation from seeds is quick and easy. Sow seeds in spring or in summer. Sprinkle seeds on soil and rake the surface gently to cover the seeds. It takes about 1 -3 weeks for seeds to germinate.
I have the yellow flowers in a container on the deck. It gets lots of sun, we have recently had a lot of rain and the flowers are turning Brown. Is this due to too much water, or is this the life cycle of the flower?
Hi. I have noticed a sudden withering within a few of my Craspedia plants especially at the center of the plant with white powdery substances. The appearance resembles an attack by aphids at the center of a cabbage plant. My area is warm. What could this be?
Also, what is the approximate yield/ number of blooms/ flowers that I can get per plant in a week when well fertilized and irrigated?
La flor de craspedia o boton de Billy,tieneun potente aroma,semejante a la manzanilla.
He tomado infusión de 5 botones en agua templada y sale un liquido potente,agradable y refrescante.
Quizas contiene antioxidantes y cafeina?