Growing Strawflowers
How to Grow Strawflowers: A Guide to Cultivating these Everlasting Blooms
Strawflowers (Xerochrysum bracteatum) are papery, daisy-like blooms that retain their color and shape when dried. Perfect for fresh and dried arrangements, these hardy annuals add vibrant hues to gardens and crafts alike. Follow this guide to grow and care for these stunning babes.
Why Grow Strawflowers?
Strawflowers offer several benefits:
Long-Lasting Blooms: Retain their beauty for months when dried.
Versatility: Suitable for garden borders, containers, and flower arrangements.
Ease of Care: Drought-tolerant and low maintenance.
Attraction: A favorite of pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Strawflowers come in a range of colors, from bright yellows and oranges to soft pinks and whites. Popular varieties include:
Monstrosum Series: Known for large, double blooms.
Bright Bikinis Mix: Compact plants with vibrant flowers.
Vintage White: Offers a subtle, elegant look for arrangements.
Preparing to Plant Strawflowers
Climate:
Thrive in warm, sunny conditions.
Will go long into autumn in most of Aotearoa, NZ.
Soil:
Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.5).
Amend heavy soils with compost or sand to improve drainage.
Location:
Choose a sunny spot that receives 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
How to Plant Strawflowers
Starting from Seeds:
Timing: 6-8 weeks before the last frost and through to mid summer.
Method:
Use seed trays filled with light, well-draining potting mix. Or directly into garden bed (keep soil moist).
Sprinkle seeds on the surface and press lightly; do not cover, as they need light to germinate.
Mist with water and keep trays in a warm/sunny space.
Germination: Seeds typically sprout in 7-14 days.
Transplanting:
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost, spacing them 10-12 inches apart.
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week.
Direct Sowing:
In warmer climates, sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost.
Caring for Strawflowers
Watering:
Water regularly during establishment.
Once mature, water sparingly; strawflowers are drought-tolerant and prefer dry conditions.
Fertilizing:
Feed soil with compost or a balanced fertilizer at planting.
Feed every 4-6 weeks during the growing season for best results.
Pruning:
Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth.
Remove spent blooms to prolong flowering. The more you pick the more it will produce.
Staking:
Tall varieties may require staking to prevent stems from bending.
Harvesting Strawflowers
For Fresh Use:
Cut flowers when they are fully open and use immediately in arrangements.
For Drying:
Harvest blooms when the flowers are just starting to open.
Cut stems in the morning and remove leaves.
Bundle stems and hang them upside down in a dark, dry, well-ventilated area. Or cut flower heads off without stems and leave to dry in a warm space.
Drying typically takes 2-3 weeks, depending on temperature.
Pests and Diseases
Strawflowers are generally pest-resistant, but be aware of:
Aphids: Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Powdery Mildew: Prevent by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Too much water can be an issue.
Final Tips
Rotate planting locations annually to reduce the risk of disease.
Mix strawflowers with other drought-tolerant plants for a low-maintenance garden.
Experiment with different colors to create eye-catching arrangements.
Strawflowers are a visual and sensory delight. A beautiful, charming cottage style bloom that is really quite low maintenance. Perfect for young children to handle or for crafting everlasting arrangements, the bright, cheerful faces of Strawflowers are sure to brighten your garden and home.
