Craspedia (Drumstick Flower) in Zone 3a & 3b
Craspedia globosa
When to plant craspedia (drumstick flower) in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. Craspedia (Drumstick Flower) needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Apr 11–Apr 18 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Jun 6–Jun 13 |
| Estimated bloom | Sep 29–Oct 6 (~115 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 2-3 ft.

Craspedia, often called drumstick flower or billy buttons, produces perfectly round, golf-ball-sized yellow flower heads on tall stems, a favorite for both fresh and dried arrangements because the blooms hold their shape and color so well.
How craspedia (drumstick flower) fits zone 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Craspedia (Drumstick Flower) needs about 115 days from transplant to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Craspedia (Drumstick Flower).
Where to buy craspedia seeds
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing craspedia (drumstick flower)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 3b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

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Growing Craspedia (Drumstick Flower) in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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