The Allure of Strawflowers: A Comprehensive Guide to Growing and Harvesting
Strawflowers, known for their striking colors and unique texture, have captivated the hearts of florists, gardeners, and crafters alike. These flowers are not only beautiful when fresh, but they also retain their charm when dried—making them a favorite for various floral arrangements and crafts. If you’re interested in cultivating strawflowers in your garden, this guide will provide you with essential information to ensure successful growth and harvesting.
Understanding Strawflowers
What Are Strawflowers?
Strawflowers, scientifically known as Xerochrysum bracteatum, are native to Australia. They are often referred to by various names, including golden everlasting and even by older classifications like Bracteantha bracteata and Helichrysum. For the sake of simplicity, we’ll stick to the term strawflower.
These flowers are characterized by their bright yellow blooms surrounded by papery bracts, which are frequently mistaken for petals. The stiff and durable nature of these bracts is what makes strawflowers an excellent choice for drying, allowing them to maintain their vibrant colors and structure long after being cut.
Why Grow Strawflowers?
Strawflowers bloom from summer through fall and are typically cultivated as annuals, although they can act as short-lived perennials in warmer climates (specifically USDA zones 8-11). They thrive in sunny conditions, are resilient to deer, and attract various pollinators, making them a valuable addition to any garden.
Getting Started with Strawflowers
Choosing Your Strawflower Varieties
When starting your strawflower garden, you might want to consider different varieties. Each has its unique charm, and experimenting with multiple types can lead to a stunning display of colors and shapes. Popular varieties include ‘Dragon Fire’, ‘Silvery Rose’, and ‘Strawberry Fields’, each offering distinct features that can enhance your floral arrangements.
Seed Selection and Storage
One important aspect of growing strawflowers is choosing the right seeds. Unlike many other flower seeds, strawflower seeds do not have a long shelf life. To ensure optimal germination rates, it’s crucial to select fresh seeds each year. Storing seeds properly in a cool, dark place can help, but it’s generally best to purchase new seeds annually.
Starting Strawflower Seeds Indoors
Timing Your Planting
While it’s possible to sow strawflower seeds directly into the garden, starting them indoors can significantly improve germination rates. Aim to begin your seeds indoors about four weeks before the last expected frost. If you live in a region with a late frost, such as Vancouver, you could start your seeds around late February for planting outside by mid-April.
Sowing Techniques
Strawflower seeds require light to germinate, so surface sowing is essential. This involves sprinkling the seeds on top of your seed starting mix and gently pressing them down into the soil without covering them completely. When watering, use a method that avoids washing the seeds away, such as bottom watering or misting.
Germination and Transplanting
Expect the seeds to germinate within 7 to 10 days. A heat mat can speed up the process, and some gardeners have even had success using an Aerogarden for seed starting. Once your seedlings reach about 3-5 inches in height, they are ready for transplanting outdoors. If the weather is still cold and wet, consider using a protective cloche or tunnel to shield them during their initial transition.
Caring for Your Strawflower Plants
Soil and Watering Needs
Strawflowers thrive in well-draining soil and prefer full sun to achieve the best flowering results. While they can tolerate partial shade, optimal growth occurs in direct sunlight. Once established, they require minimal watering—typically one to two times per week, depending on rainfall.
Spacing and Growth Considerations
When planting strawflowers, space them approximately six inches apart for optimal growth. Although many sources recommend a spacing of 12 inches, personal experience may suggest that they can be planted closer together, depending on the specific variety and conditions.
Additional Care Tips
Strawflowers typically bloom about 75-85 days after sowing. Depending on the variety, some may need staking or hoop support to prevent them from falling over as they grow taller. Fertilizing once a month can promote blooming but isn’t usually necessary if your soil is of good quality.
The Art of Pinching Strawflowers
Why Pinch?
One of the best practices for encouraging fuller growth in strawflowers is pinching. This technique involves removing the central growth tip of the plant stem, which stimulates the plant to produce multiple stems instead of just one. While it may feel counterintuitive to pinch back growing flowers, the rewards are substantial: you can gain 4-6 stems per plant.
Timing and Technique
It’s advisable to pinch your strawflowers about a week after transplanting them into the garden. This allows them to settle into their new environment before you encourage bushier growth. Even if you’re apprehensive about pinching, rest assured that the plants will recover quickly and benefit from the extra blooms.
Harvesting Strawflowers for Arrangements
Timing Your Harvest
Knowing when to harvest your strawflowers is crucial for achieving the best results, especially if you plan to use them as cut flowers. The ideal time to cut them is when the stem has begun to harden, and the first two to three layers of bracts are starting to open. Harvesting at this stage ensures that the flowers will continue to open beautifully after being cut.
Techniques for Cutting
When harvesting, it’s essential to cut the stems carefully. Most stems will feature multiple flowers, so focus on harvesting the main bloom while leaving the smaller ones to continue developing. Ideally, cut your flowers in the morning after the dew has dried for maximum hydration. Fresh strawflowers typically have a vase life of about 7-10 days.
Drying Strawflowers
If you wish to dry your strawflowers, remove all foliage and hang the stems upside down in a warm, dark location for about three weeks. This method ensures that the flowers retain their shape and color for crafting or decoration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawflowers
Are Strawflowers Annual or Perennial?
Strawflowers are generally treated as annuals, but in warmer climates (zones 8-11), they can act as short-lived perennials, lasting for 2-3 years.
Is Helichrysum the Same as Strawflower?
There’s been some confusion regarding the names of strawflowers, primarily due to historical classification changes. Originally classified under Helichrysum, strawflowers now belong to the genus Xerochrysum. Some may still refer to them as Bracteantha due to naming disputes among botanists in the past. In practical terms, all these names refer to what we commonly know as strawflowers in North America.
Do Strawflowers Self-Seed?
While strawflowers have the ability to self-seed, the success rate is often low. It’s advisable to plant new seeds each year, viewing any natural reseeding as a bonus.
When Should You Plant Strawflower Seeds?
For optimal results, start your strawflower seeds indoors about four weeks before the last frost date in your area. After the frost has passed, you can transplant them outdoors or direct sow them 2-4 weeks after the last frost.
Additional Cut Flowers to Consider
If you’re passionate about cut flowers and want to expand your garden, there are several other excellent options to explore. Each flower has its unique requirements and benefits, allowing for a diverse and vibrant garden that can be used for arrangements, crafts, and more.
In conclusion, strawflowers offer a delightful opportunity for gardeners to create beautiful arrangements that last beyond the growing season. With the right techniques and care, you can enjoy these flowers in both their fresh and dried forms, making them a valuable addition to your gardening endeavors. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, growing strawflowers can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
