Round bright yellow blooms of craspedia in close up view on light grey background

How To Grow Craspedia Seeds

Updated on Jan 12, 2024
By Baillie Blankenship

Latin name Craspedia globosa is a member of the Asteraceae family also known as “Billy Buttons,”  "Billy Balls," and "Woolyheads." These plants stand 2-2.5 feet tall with strong, stiff stems, perfect for arranging! 

HISTORY

Craspedia is native to Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. This vibrant annual flower produces globe-like blooms on stiff stems and may perennialize in zones 8-11.

USES

  • Craspedia is a perfect cut flower for floral arrangements and everlasting bouquets.

Close image of a bouquet of bright yellow and yellow-green round flowers on thin stems against a blue-grey background

 

  • Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost.
  • Sow seeds 1/8-1/4 in deep.
  • The ideal soil temperature for germination is 70-75 F. 
  • Seeds sprout in 14-18 days.
Bouquet of perfectly round, vivid yellow craspedia flowers against a white backgroundBouquet of perfectly round, vivid yellow craspedia flowers against a white background

 

  • Harden off plants before transplanting into flower beds. (Plants are frost tender).
  • Plant in groups in a sunny to semi-shady location with well-draining soil.
  • Space plants 10-12 in apart.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Generally pest free. Be cautious of over watering, as craspedia is prone to root rot.
Close photo of bouquet of round yellow and yellow-green craspedia flowers against a blue-grey backgroundClose photo of bouquet of round yellow and yellow-green craspedia flowers against a blue-grey background

 

  • Seeds form inside the flower spheres.
  • Cut fully bloomed, drying flower heads from the plant.
  • It is best to harvest in late summer on a dry day.
  • Let the flower heads dry in a paper bag or on a screen in a well-ventilated area.
  • Break apart dried flowers and separate the seeds from chaff.
Single pale purple columbine blossom with white center surrounding yellow, in a green glass soda bottle.Single pale purple columbine blossom with white center surrounding yellow, in a green glass soda bottle.