White Basket Flower is a stunning heirloom variety of Centaurea americana that brings classic cottage garden charm to borders and cutting gardens. This airy, branching plant grows 36-48 inches tall and produces delicate white blooms throughout the summer, from June through August. Hardy in zones 3-10, it thrives in full sun with moderate water once established, reaching full flowering in about 112 days from seed. The flowers attract pollinators generously, making it as valuable for supporting local bee populations as it is for adding height and texture to garden arrangements.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-10
48in H x 30in W
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Moderate
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Reaching 3-4 feet tall with an airy, multi-branching habit, White Basket Flower creates an elegant backdrop that doesn't block views of shorter plantings. The delicate white blooms appear prolifically throughout summer and draw pollinators steadily, while the established plants handle drought remarkably well. Starting from seed indoors just 6-8 weeks before planting out gives you garden-ready plants surprisingly quickly, and once established, it asks little beyond decent sun and periodic water during dry spells.
White Basket Flower serves primarily as an ornamental cut flower and garden focal point. The tall, branching stems produce long-lasting blooms ideal for fresh arrangements, while the plant's substantial height and airy structure make it valuable for creating vertical interest in perennial borders and cottage gardens.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost. Plant seeds at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch and keep soil moisture consistent by covering with vermiculite or a humidity dome until germination. Maintain temperatures between 55-70°F. Germination typically occurs within 7-20 days.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after your last frost date once they've developed true leaves. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over several days before planting into the garden.
Direct sow seeds outdoors after your last spring frost. Sow at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch and keep the soil moist until germination and seedling establishment.
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