Have you ever tried arranging flowers with strawflower branches? They are brilliant and can significantly improve your mood.
Strawflowers are popular for their gorgeous appearance, and it's fun to see them in the garden every morning.
Fortunately, growing strawflowers is easy. You don't need to buy them anymore - try growing them at home and start fun DIY projects with this flower.
Scientifically known as Helichrysum bracteatum, strawflowers are also commonly referred to as everlasting flowers.
They are native to Australia and grow in a variety of climates. These annuals typically grow 12 to 36 inches tall, with slender stems and narrow, elongated leaves.
They produce papery flowers in a spectrum of hues, including yellow, orange, red, pink, and white.
Strawflowers thrive in well-drained soil and full sunlight, blooming from late spring to early fall, adding vibrant color and texture to gardens and floral arrangements.
Cottage Pink Strawflower: Delicate pink blooms, compact growth up to 18 inches.
Purple Red Strawflower: Rich, velvety hues, stands 24 to 30 inches tall.
Golden Yellow Strawflower: Bright, cheerful petals, grows 12 to 24 inches.
Scarlet Strawflower: Intense red blooms, towers at 24 to 36 inches.
Strawflowers are perfect for ornament and boutique arrangements due to their longevity when dried, maintaining vibrant colors and shape for extended periods.
They enhance home decor and DIY projects like wreaths, bouquets, or potpourri. They also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
Additionally, strawflowers possess anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in reducing scars, wounds, skin irritations, and inflammation, potentially offering relief for conditions like arthritis.
Sow in spring after frost. Surface sow in moist soil, keep moist in bright light.
Seeds sprout in 7-10 days. Harden seedlings before transplanting outdoors when temperatures stay above 60°F.
Take 4-inch stem tips in spring or fall. Remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in moist soil.
Keep warm and lit until they root, then transplant outside.
Wait for overcast days after frost. Transplant carefully into prepared soil.
Prepare the soil with well-rotted compost. Strawflowers tolerate poor soil but need good drainage.
Clean seed trays, pots, or any other containers with a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water to kill any pathogens.
Use fresh, high-quality seeds from a reputable source.
Starting Seeds Indoors
Start seeds indoors in early spring. Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for about 12 hours.
Use modular trays with multi-purpose compost and added perlite for drainage.
Sow several seeds per cell, cover lightly with perlite, and keep moist. Thin seedlings to one per cell once they grow.
Harden off seedlings by placing them outside during the day and bringing them in at night for two weeks before planting outside.
Transplanting Outdoors
Transplant hardened-off seedlings in mid to late spring. Space plants 23-30 cm apart and water well. Continue regular watering for several weeks until established.
Tips:
Strawflowers prefer sandy or rocky soils with a mildly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 6.5. However, they can grow in various soil types as long as they drain well.
Mulch helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Loosen the soil to a depth of 10 to 12 inches and mix in 3 inches of compost.
Place the seed trays in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. After transplanting, let strawflowers flourish in full sun (6-8 hours per day).
Maintain a temperature between 70-75°F (21-24°C).
Weekly watering, providing about 1 inch of water if there is no rain, keeps the flowers vibrant. Avoid overly soggy soil around the roots.
Before planting, apply fertilizer at a rate of 300 pounds of 13-13-13 per acre.
When the plant grows, apply the rate every two weeks to ensure steady blooming.
When strawflower plants reach about 12 inches tall, pruning the center stalk encourages side branching, resulting in more flowers and stronger stems.
Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, is crucial for continuous blooming. Cut above a leaf node when deadheading to promote more flowers.
Watch for aphids and spider mites. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestations occur.
Strawflowers are generally resistant to diseases but ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
To know if strawflowers are ready to harvest, perform the “Wiggle Test.” Grasp the stem 8 inches below the bloom and wiggle it. If the bloom flops, wait until the stem stiffens.
Harvest a few hours after sunrise when the flowers are open enough to see. Cut in the morning when the flowers are dry.
For fresh arrangements, cut when 3 to 4 bract layers have opened. For drying, cut when 2 to 3 layers of bracts have opened.
After harvesting, place strawflower stems in fresh water for a few hours in a cool, dark place to keep them fresh. Then dry strawflowers to preserve for a long time.
Hang flowers upside down in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight. The stems may become fragile, but the blooms will stay sturdy.
Pop the bloom off the stem and insert floral wire through the bottom. This method keeps the flower's shape and structure.
Let the blooms dry naturally in a basket or bowl. This is an easy method for small projects.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully grow and enjoy the beauty of strawflowers in your garden and home.
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