Description

A well-known “everlasting,” strawflowers do indeed retain their color and shape for years, making them very desirable for floral design and crafts. Strawflowers also have a long vase life as a cut flower. The distinctive feature that makes their longevity possible is the papery bracts which surround the inner disc of yellow florets. While the inner florets eventually go to seed, the brightly colored bracts do not wither or fade.

A native to Australia, strawflowers have been cultivated since 1791, giving rise to a beautiful array of colors ranging from pastel white, blush, and peach to deep crimson and scarlet to bright gold and fuschia. There are also bicolor varieties with pink tipped white flowers and red tipped yellow flowers. Some of my favorites are the more unusual colors – dusty peach and terracotta, which appeared when I grew strawflowers from my own saved seeds (possibly resulting from crosses between other colors).

Strawflowers are unfussy flowers that are drought tolerant and very easy to grow. Deer are not interested in the papery texture of the flowers but they might munch on seedlings. Given a sunny spot with good drainage, strawflowers bloom continuously from early summer through fall. Plants can reach 5 ft tall with a profusion of colorful daisy-like blooms in various stages of opening. With a little work, you will be rewarded with baskets of beautiful long-lasting flowers that last years. For those in the know, you’ll be doubly rewarded by a sweet and delicate fragrance every time you visit your strawflower patch.

This mix has varying shades of pink, orange, red and yellow.

Details

Lifecycle: Perennial (grown as annual in cold climates)
Lifespan: 2-3 years
Hardiness zones: 8-10 (USDA)
Habitats: Cultivated gardens
Plant size: 2-5 ft tall
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-draining
Water: Moderate to regular

Seed Starting

In cold climates, sow strawflower seeds in flats in a greenhouse 2-3 weeks before last frost. Press seeds into soil but do not cover as they need light to germinate. If needed, place a heat mat under the flat to keep temperature around 70°F. Up pot seedlings to 4″ pots if more time is needed before danger of frost has passed. In warm climates, you can direct sow strawflower seeds into prepared seed beds and thin seedlings 12″ apart.

Cultivation

Though strawflowers can withstand drought, they will be less robust. For the most blooms and long stems, place strawflowers in well-draining soil with full sun. Water regularly during the hottest season. They are not fussy flowers, but can benefit from a light layer of mulch in areas with hot and dry summers.

Harvest

Strawflowers come back taller and more robust with each harvest, so don’t be shy about cutting them. Cut flowers when outer petals are just unfurling before you see the inner center (for drying) or slightly more open (for fresh). Cut right above leaf nodes to encourage branching.  If drying, strip off leaves, and hang a bunch of 10-15 stems upside down on a taut line indoors. Flowers will be fully dried in about 2 weeks and then can be stored in a box placed somewhere cool, dry, and dark (like a closet).

Propagation

Strawflowers are best propagated by seed. Note that strawflower seed viability is only 2 years. After 2 years, germination rate will reduce dramatically. It’s best to propagate from seeds saved from the previous year or sow very thickly if using old seeds to account for low germination.

Seed Saving

Wait until the inner part of the flower has finished blooming and become fluffy (much like a dandelion). Pull out the fluff and you will find a shiny, dark gray seed attached to the end of each “parachute”. Thresh the seeds by rubbing them between your fingers to remove the fluffy part. Strawflower seedheads can retain moisture and grow mold. In humid climates, make sure to remove the seeds from the seed head right away. Then screen the seeds to remove remaining debris. Store cleaned seeds in a dry and cool place.