Billy Button – “Craspedia globosa”

🌟 Golden spheres of sunshine on a stick!

Craspedia globosa ‘Billy Button’ (also called Drumstick Flower or Billy Balls) is a quirky, long-lasting cut flower that adds instant fun and texture to bouquets. With its perfectly round, bright-yellow flower heads perched on strong wiry stems, it’s an absolute favourite for fresh and dried arrangements. Easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and totally unique — Billy Buttons are the cheerful pop your summer bouquets need!

🌱 How to Grow:

Sowing Time (South Africa):
Spring to early summer (September–December).
Sow directly into beds once frost danger has passed, or start in trays for more controlled germination.

Germination:
10–20 days at 18–22°C.
Sow on the surface of the soil and press down lightly — seeds need light to germinate.
Mist gently to keep moist, but avoid waterlogging.

Transplanting:
Transplant when seedlings are 5–7 cm tall.
Space 20–30 cm apart for good airflow and strong stems.
Take care not to damage their fine roots.

🌞 Position:
Full sun — thrives in bright, open spots.
The more sun, the stronger the stems and bigger the spheres!

🪨 Soil:
Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil enriched with compost.
pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.0–7.5).
Craspedia hates soggy soil — drainage is key!

💧 Watering:
Low to moderate. Water deeply but infrequently.
Allow soil to dry between waterings — these golden globes don’t like wet feet.

🌼 Flowering Time:
Blooms 90–110 days from sowing.
Expect continuous harvest from mid-summer through autumn.

📏 Height & Spread:
60–90 cm tall.
20–30 cm wide.
Each plant produces multiple stems topped with perfect golden balls.

🌿 Top Tips:
✔️ Excellent as both fresh and dried cut flowers — dries to hold shape and colour!
✔️ Stagger sowings for an extended harvest season.
✔️ No pinching required — plants naturally produce plenty of stems.
✔️ Tough, heat- and drought-tolerant once established.
✔️ Harvest when flower heads are fully round and firm for best vase/drying results.

🐝 Pollinator Friendly:
Bees adore the nectar-rich blooms, making them a double win for your garden and bouquets!

🔥 Why Grow Billy Buttons?
✔️ Unique, cheerful texture in arrangements
✔️ Dries beautifully for long-lasting décor
✔️ Low-maintenance and drought-hardy
✔️ Perfect companion to bold summer blooms
✔️ A florist’s favourite for whimsical, modern designs

Bring a burst of golden cheer with Craspedia ‘Billy Button’ — the everlasting sunshine stem! 🌞✨