Billy Buttons

Billy Buttons (Craspedia globosa)
Billy Buttons bring cheerful whimsy and playful texture to gardens and bouquets alike. Their bright yellow, golf ball–shaped blooms perch atop tall, slender silvery stems, creating a delightful contrast that catches the eye and invites pollinators to linger. This drought-tolerant darling thrives in poor, well-drained soils, making it an easy and rewarding choice for gardeners seeking both charm and resilience.

Harvest blooms at their peak, when each perfect sphere is uniformly golden, to add sunshine-bright accents to fresh floral arrangements. For long-lasting dry displays, hang Craspedia upside down for two weeks before arranging—its straight, sturdy stems and vibrant globes hold their shape and colour beautifully.

Also known as Sun Ball or Drumstick Flower, Billy Buttons pair wonderfully with soft grasses, dusty blue thistles, and creamy white blooms, crafting bouquets that feel both rustic and whimsically joyful.

A timeless wildflower favourite that captures the essence of sunny fields and carefree summer days.

DETAILS:

QTY: 100

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

DEPTH: Surface - cover lightly with vermiculite 

GERMINATION: 14-21 days at 21 - 24°C

MATURITY: 110 - 120 Days

HEIGHT: 18 - 24"

SPACING: 12"

PINCH: No

HOW TO GROW:

Transplanting (recommended): Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your average last frost date. Do not cover the seeds, as light is required for germination. Bottom water or mist gently to avoid displacing the tiny seeds with soil. Germination can be slow and erratic. Once seedlings are established, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for 7–10 days before transplanting outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

Direct Seeding (alternative): Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Craspedia prefers a cool start, so a light frost will not harm the seedlings. Thin seedlings to a final spacing of 6–9 inches apart.

Pinching and Support: Pinching is not necessary for craspedia. Support is generally not needed for this plant, as it has strong, upright stems.

Soil Preference and Watering: Craspedia thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil. It is very tolerant of poor, sandy soils and is highly drought-tolerant once established. Avoid overly rich soil or excessive watering, as this can lead to weak stems.

Fertilizing: Fertilizing is not required for craspedia. It performs best in lean soil.

Harvesting: For fresh-cut flowers, harvest stems when the flower heads are fully colored but still firm. For drying, which is its most popular use, cut the stems when the flower heads are fully open and have a vibrant yellow color. Hang bunches upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area for 2–3 weeks until completely dry.