Flower Garden · Seed to Bloom

How to grow billy buttons

Grow golden globe flowers on clean upright stems for sunny borders, fresh bouquets, and long-lasting dried arrangements.

Start warm indoorsUse lean drained soilCut globes fully colored
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Botanical illustration of golden yellow Billy Buttons flowers
Botanical nameCraspedia globosaBilly buttons
Sow depthSurface sowPress into mix
Germination14–21 daysWarm conditions
Spacing10–12 inchesOpen crowns
HarvestFresh or driedFirm golden globes

Flower profile

Make strong geometry with simple golden globes.

Billy buttons, or Craspedia, form a low silvery-green rosette and send up slender stems topped by dense round yellow flower heads. The stems are especially useful fresh or dried.

Drainage builds strong crownsAvoid rich, wet soil. A sunny, sharply drained bed produces firmer stems and reduces crown trouble.

billy buttons at a glance

From seed to a productive flower display

01Sow6–8 weeks early02Sprout14–21 days03Pot onAfter true leaves04PlantAfter frost05GlobeHeads turn gold06CutFresh or dry

Planting

Surface sow and transplant after frost.

Start indoors for the most dependable season, pressing seed into moist mix and providing warmth and light.

01

Press seed onto the surface

Do not bury deeply; maintain gentle moisture and approximately 70°F warmth.

02

Grow seedlings brightly

Remove the humidity cover after emergence and keep young rosettes compact under strong light.

03

Plant into drained soil

Harden after frost danger and space about 10–12 inches apart in full sun.

Ongoing care

Keep plants healthy and flowers productive

Maximize sun

Full sun produces compact crowns and upright flowering stems.

Water to establish

Water deeply, then allow the surface to dry; avoid permanently wet soil.

Keep fertility moderate

Excess nitrogen encourages foliage at the expense of firm stems.

Cut cleanly

Harvest mature globes regularly to keep the planting tidy.

Season checkpoints

Follow the plant’s visible progress.

14–21 days

Seedlings emerge

6–8 weeks

Rosettes fill cells

Midseason

Stems extend

Full gold

Heads are ready

Cutting and display

Cut when globes are fully yellow and firm.

Harvest once flower heads have rounded out and developed an even golden color. Use immediately in water or hang in small bundles for drying.

  1. Cut after surface moisture dries.
  2. Strip the few lower leaves.
  3. Dry upside down in darkness.

Urban Farmer selections

Grow the classic golden globe

Billy Balls product imageGolden globe · cut flowerBilly BallsRound yellow flower heads on slender stems for fresh and dried arrangements.Checking availability…Shop Billy Balls →

Questions flower gardeners ask

Billy buttons growing FAQ

When should Billy Buttons be started?

Start indoors about 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost.

Should Craspedia seed be covered?

Press it onto the moist surface or cover only extremely lightly.

How long does germination take?

Seed commonly emerges in about 14–21 days under warm, steady conditions.

When can plants go outside?

Harden and transplant after frost danger has passed.

How far apart should plants be?

Space roughly 10–12 inches apart for open crowns.

What soil is best?

Use average to lean, sharply drained soil rather than a rich wet bed.

Does Billy Buttons need full sun?

Yes, full sun gives the strongest stems and best flowering.

When are flower heads ready to cut?

Harvest when globes are evenly golden, round, and firm.

Can the stems be dried?

Yes. Hang small bundles upside down in a dark, dry, airy room.

Why are stems weak?

Low light, excess nitrogen, crowding, or overly wet soil can soften growth.

Ready to plant?

Add golden geometry to beds and bouquets.

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