Statice
Statice is an old-fashioned flower that is excellent in dried arrangements. They are deer resistant and drought tolerant.
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QIS Pale Blue |
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Limonium sinuatum Other varieties may have a different scientific name. |
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Easy |
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Intermediate |
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2 years if properly stored |
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Annual |
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5-14 days |
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None |
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Surface Sow |
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24-30” |
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Needs light to germinate Full sun |
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110-120 days |
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Feb, Mar, May |
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Yes |
Growing Tips
When to Start
Start indoors: 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. (Mid-Feb – Mid-Mar for Jefferson, GA)
Transplant: After the danger of frost has passed. (May 1 for Jefferson, GA)
Direct Sow: After the danger of frost has passed. (May 1 for Jefferson, GA)
How to Start
The seeds need light to germinate. Surface sow by gently pressing them into the seed starting mix and place them under grow lights. Transplant after hardening off and the danger of frost has passed. Or you can direct sow after the danger of frost has passed. To direct sow, gently press the seeds into the soil or cover them with just enough soil to keep the wind from blowing the seeds away.
Care
Statice likes full sun and well-draining soil. These flowers are long-lasting annuals with sturdy stems and compact, colorful blooms. Deer don’t prefer them but as with anything that is deer resistant, if they’re hungry they will eat almost anything.
The statice plant care is minimal once the plant is established. After the plant is established, the plant needs only occasional watering as it is drought resistant. Pinch back as needed to create a more compact and shapely plant. Blooms will develop in mid to late summer and they are great for dried arrangements.
Seed Saving
Isolation Distance
Insect dependent for pollination. Isolate 1/2-1 mile to prevent cross-pollination.
Instructions
Select healthy, robust plants free of any signs of disease or insect infestation for seeds. Seeds carry the traits of the parent plant. Choose plants that exhibit the traits you wish to preserve. Consider bloom size, color, and shape, as well as blooming time.
Allow the biggest and healthiest blooms to mature on the plant. Cover the seed head with a fine-mesh bag as soon as the flower petals shrivel and die. Use an elastic band to hold the bag in place. This prevents the seeds from spilling onto the soil before harvest.
Clip the flower head from the main stem once the seeds are dry and dark. Separate plant debris from the seeds by removing the mesh bag and placing the flower head in a paper bag and shaking to loosen the seeds. Seeds settle to the bottom of the bag. Remove plant debris by hand.
Features
- Attracts pollinators
- Good-cut flowers
- Good dried flowers
- Drought tolerant
- QIS Pale Blue: A good cut flower due to its uniformity, color, flower size, and stem quality.
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