Ornamental Flower
Apricot/peach Mix Strawflower brings warm, sunset tones to gardens and dried arrangements alike. These profuse bloomers reach 36 to 40 inches tall in a compact habit, flowering within 75 to 85 days from sowing. Hardy in zones 9 through 11, they thrive in well-drained soil and low-water conditions, making them a reliable choice for gardeners seeking long-lasting color without fussy care. The papery blooms are prized for drying, holding their apricot and peach hues for months after cutting.
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Low
9-11
40in H x ?in W
Annual
High
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These strawflowers produce flowers continuously throughout the season, rewarding patient gardeners with abundant blooms in warm apricot and soft peach shades. The compact growth habit keeps plants tidy in the garden while still reaching a generous 36 to 40 inches, and the blooms dry beautifully, retaining their color and structure far longer than most cut flowers. Sown indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost, they germinate reliably in temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, though seeds require light to sprout, so skip covering them entirely.
Apricot/peach Mix Strawflower excels as a dried flower for long-term arrangements, wreaths, and crafts. The papery blooms hold their warm apricot and peach tones indefinitely when dried, making them far superior to fresh-cut options for gardeners who want lasting color. They also work beautifully in fresh arrangements, though their true strength lies in preserving beauty long after the growing season ends.
Sow seeds into 72-cell flats or similar seedling containers 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date. Do not cover seeds, as light is required for germination. Bottom water or mist gently to keep the soil moist without burying the seed. Maintain a temperature between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit until seedlings emerge. Harden off transplants gradually over 7 to 10 days before moving them outdoors.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after danger of frost has passed, when soil temperatures consistently reach 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Space plants 10 inches apart in well-drained soil. Water gently at planting to settle the soil around the root ball.
Direct sowing is possible in areas with long summers. Scatter seeds where you want them to grow in well-drained soil and press lightly into contact with the soil surface without covering. Keep the area consistently moist until seedlings emerge and establish. Thin seedlings as needed to achieve 10-inch spacing.
Cut flowers for drying when the blooms are fully open but still firm to the touch, ideally in the morning after dew dries. For dried arrangements, harvest at peak bloom and hang bundles upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated space at 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit until completely dry, typically 2 to 3 weeks. The papery texture indicates full dryness and readiness for storage or arrangement.
Pinch the main stems early in the growing season to encourage uniform branching and more prolific flowering. This practice results in fuller, bushier plants with more blooms.
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