Jefferson Seed Library

Stawflower

Originally from Australia, the strawflower is easy to dry and use in dried arrangments. 

  • Variety
 N/A
  • Scientific Name
 Helichrysum bracteatum
  • Growing Level
 Easy
  • Seed Saving Level
 Intermediate
  • Seed Storage
 2 years if properly stored
  • Life Cycle
 Annual
  • Germination Time
 7-10 days
  • Height
 2-3′
  • Light Requirements

Seeds need light to germinate

 

Full sun, but can tolerate partial shade
  • Blooms from
 Summer to Fall
  • “Check Out” Month See Upcoming Events for specific “check out” dates.
 March, April and May
  • In Stock?
 No

 

Table of Contents

 

Growing Tips

When to Start

 

Start indoors: 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. (Mid-Feb – Mid-Mar for Jefferson, GA)

Transplant/Direct Sow:  After the danger of frost has passed. (May 1 for Jefferson, GA)

 

How to Start

 

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last average frost date for your area. The seeds need light to germinate. Surface sow by gently pressing the seeds into the soil. Or direct sow after the danger of frost has passed into full sun beds with well-draining soil.

 

Care

 

Strawflowers do best in full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade. They aren’t too picky about their soil, but a good side dressing of compost is beneficial.

 

Thin or space plants 12-18 inches apart. Water when the soil feels dry. Deadheading is beneficial until you are ready to let them go to seed.

Seed Saving

Isolation Distance

 

Insect dependent for pollination. Isolate 1/2 to 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. Seeds scatter easily in the wind. 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 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

  • Good Cut flowers
  • Good dried flowers
  • Deer resistant
  • Drought tolerant
  • Easy maintenance

Deadhead to get more blooms.

You May Also Like: 

Statice

Starting Seeds Indoors

How to Dry Herbs

Sources:

Homeguides.sfgate.com

Edenbrothers.com