How To Grow Strawflower Seeds

HISTORY

Native to Australia, where it is adapted to a wide range of habitats, from sub-alpine areas to rainforest margins and deserts. After its introduction to Germany in the 1800s, it was found to be widely adaptable there as well.

USES

• Ornamental
• Beds, borders, containers, cottage garden, cutting garden, everlasting dried flower, flower crowns, pollinator garden
• Visited by butterflies, bees, and a range of other pollinating insects

• Seeds germinate in 7-14 days.
• Sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost and transplant outdoors after last frost, or direct seed after last frost has passed.
• Surface sow seeds and gently press into soil, as seeds require light for germination.
• Ideal germination temperature 70-75 F.

• Prefers full sun.
• Plants are indifferent to soil fertility, but they require it to be well drained.
• Space plants 10-12 inches apart.
• Pinch young plants at growing point to encourge branching.
• Keep deadheaded to encourage continued blooming.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Susceptible to downy mildew. Keep foliage dry and promote good air circulation to prevent this issue.

• Seeds are very light, and the wind will easily take them from dried seedheads.
• To save seeds, allow the flowerhead containing the seeds to completely mature and dry on the plant, then clip it off and place in a container.
• Working over the top of another clean, opened container, rub the flowerheads to separate the seeds.
• Store over winter in a cool, dark, dry place.