Choice Mix Strawflower is an open-pollinated annual that brings vibrant, long-lasting color to gardens and dried arrangements. Growing 36-40 inches tall with a bushy habit, it produces a well-balanced mix of papery flowers that retain their color beautifully when dried. From seed to first harvest takes just 75-85 days, making it quick enough for most growing seasons. This variety thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, rewarding gardeners with abundant blooms perfect for cutting and preserving.
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Low
9-11
40in H x ?in W
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High
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The papery, everlasting flowers dry perfectly on the stem, maintaining their color intensity long after fresh flowers fade. Space plants just 10 inches apart to create a dense, productive display, and pinch young plants to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. The balanced color mix means you'll get a spontaneous, cottage-garden feel without needing to coordinate separate varieties.
Choice Mix Strawflower shines as a dried flower. Cut stems when the blooms are fully open, hang them upside down in a warm, dry location, and they'll hold their shape and color for months. These flowers are excellent for dried arrangements, wreaths, and long-lasting bouquets that never need water.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors into 72-cell flats or preferred seedling containers 4-6 weeks before your last frost date. Do not cover the seeds, as light is required for germination. Bottom water or mist gently to keep soil moist without displacing seeds. Maintain temperatures around 70-75°F (21-24°C) for best results.
Harden off seedlings gradually over 7-10 days before transplanting outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Space plants 10 inches apart in full sun with well-drained soil.
Direct seed outdoors where summers are long, after the danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed.
Cut stems for drying when the flowers are fully open and the papery bracts have developed their full color. Harvest in the morning after dew dries but before heat stress. Hang bunches upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight. Flowers dry quickly, typically within 2-3 weeks, and retain their color intensity for months.
Pinch the growing tips of young plants to encourage uniform, productive branching and a bushier overall form. This early pinching will result in more stems and fuller flower production throughout the season.
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