Common Name: Billy Button

Scientific Name: Pycnosorus globosus

Family: Asteraceae

1. Choosing the Right Time to Plant

Billy Buttons can be started from seed either indoors or directly in the garden. While they are drought-tolerant once established, they do require frequent watering for germination and early growth.

When to plant:

• Indoor sowing: 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost.
• Outdoor sowing: After frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed.

2. Selecting the Ideal Location

Billy Buttons thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them ideal for rock gardens, borders, and container plantings. They prefer soil that is sandy or loamy but can tolerate a range of conditions as long as drainage is adequate.

Location needs:

• Full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight).
• Well-drained soil.
• Avoid waterlogged or heavy clay soils. Billy Buttons don’t like wet feet!

3. Preparing the Soil

Before planting, it’s essential to prepare the soil to ensure the best possible conditions for growth. Well-drained soil is key to avoiding root rot, which can occur in overly wet conditions.

Steps for soil preparation:

• Clear the planting area of weeds, rocks, and debris. I do this by removing the weeds then covering the area with a weed mat for 2 weeks.
• Loosen the soil to a depth of 15-30cms using a garden fork or tiller.
• For clay soil add sand or compost to improve drainage.

4. Sowing Billy Button Seeds

Billy Button seeds are small and can be scattered on the soil’s surface then gently covered with a thin layer of soil. They need light to germinate, so avoid burying them too deeply.

Greenhouse (or indoor) sowing method:

• Fill seed trays or pots with a well-draining seed-starting mix. If you don’t have access to seed starting mix I almost always just use normal potting soil and everything works out fine.
• Put a seed in each cell. Billy Button seeds only need 1mm of depth so you can very lightly push them down
• Mist the soil to keep it moist and cover the trays with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to retain moisture. If you haven’t got this available - that’s okay! Just water them a little more frequently
• Place the trays in a warm, bright location (18-21°C).
• Germination usually occurs within 14-21 days.

Direct sowing method:

• After the last frost, prepare the garden bed by loosening the soil.
• Scatter the seeds on the soil surface and press them lightly to ensure good contact with the soil.
• Water gently to keep the soil moist until germination occurs.

5. Watering and Care During Germination

During the germination process, Billy Buttons need consistent moisture to thrive. However, they do not tolerate overly wet conditions, so be mindful of how much water you provide.

Watering tips:

• Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water gently to avoid moving the seeds.
• Once seedlings emerge, reduce watering frequency, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

6. Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors

If you started your Billy Button seeds indoors, you can transplant seedlings outdoors once they have developed a few sets of true leaves and the risk of frost has passed.

Transplanting tips:

• Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week.
• Space plants 15-30cm apart to give them room to grow and ensure good air circulation.
• Water the transplants thoroughly after planting.