bumblebee nestled in a pale lavender pink basketflower with distinctive golden "baskets" to the side and behind the main blossom

How To Grow Basketflower Seeds

Updated on Dec 22, 2023
By Baillie Blankenship

Latin name Centaurea americana, basketflower ranges from 2 to 6 feet tall depending on location and soil. Basketflower is hardy from zones 3-9. This is a top choice for pollinator buffer zones on farms, meadows, and pollinator gardens! 

HISTORY

This self-seeding annual, known for the basketweave pattern of its phyllaries, is native to the South-Central U.S. and Northeastern Mexico. 

Pink Basketflower is easy to grow and beloved by a wide variety of pollinators!

USES

  • Great for cut-flower arrangements and pollinator gardens.

top of image shows a wicker basket containing the distinctive golden basketweave-patterned phyllaries above a selection of pink fringed blossoms showing the phyllaries still attached

 

  • Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last spring frost. OR start indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost.
  • Sow seeds 1/8 - 1/4in deep.
  • Sprouts in 7-14 days. 
  • Sprouts in 21-36 days.
  • Ideal germination temperature 65-75 F.
Close shot of bouquet of pink blossoms with fringed petals, darker at the center; showing a small golden "basket" underneath the blooms.Close shot of bouquet of pink blossoms with fringed petals, darker at the center; showing a small golden "basket" underneath the blooms.

 

  • Plant in a well-draining, slightly acidic area with full sun exposure.
  • Space plants 6-9 inches apart.
  • Prune developing tips and fertilize for prolific blooms.
  • Drought tolerant once established. Mature plants prefer drier soil.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Experiences minimal pest pressure.
  • May experience issues with powdery mildew in humid climates.
  • Adequate spacing may help aerate plants and prevent powdery mildew.
Basketflowers -- pink frienged blooms with golden dried basketweave-textured phyllaries shown in a wicker basketBasketflowers -- pink frienged blooms with golden dried basketweave-textured phyllaries shown in a wicker basket

 

  • Seeds can be easily removed from the mature, dry flowerheads.
  • Separate the seeds from chaff.
  • Let dry further in a paper bag or spread out on a screen for about a week.
Bee nestled into a pink, fringed basketflower bloom.Bee nestled into a pink, fringed basketflower bloom.