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Strawflower - Key Growing Information
SOWING: Transplant (recommended) - Sow into 72-cell flats or preferred seedling container 4-6 weeks before planting out. Do not cover seed as light is required for germination. Harden off and transplant out after danger of frost. Bottom water or mist to avoid covering seeds. Direct seed - Where summers are long. Once established, prefers well-drained soils and temps of 70-75°F (21-24°C). Plants may need support. Pinching is recommended to encourage uniform and productive branching.
LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun.
PLANT HEIGHT: 36-40". May require some support.
PLANT SPACING: 10-12".
HARDINESS ZONES: Annual.
STEM LENGTH: 12-20".
VASE LIFE: 7-10 days.
STORAGE TEMPERATURE: 70-75°F (21-24°C).
HARVEST: Keep blooms harvested or deadheaded for optimal yields. Fresh or dried: Cut when 2-3 layers of petals have unfolded but before flowers fully open to reveal center. Note: Blooms that are very open, past optimal maturity, will close in the dark of night and on dark, overcast days. These blooms can appear as if they are at the at a good stage for cutting, though they are overmature. To avoid these misleading blooms, harvest on bright mornings or let your harvested blooms set in light for a few hours. Overmature blooms should open back up for identification and discard. Avoiding overmature blooms is especially important if being used for drying as blooms continue to open during the drying process. When dried, overmature blooms will shatter (fall apart) and appear discolored.
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Average soil with good drainage.
USES: Excellent dried flower. Borders and back of beds.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Helichrysum bracteatum