King Size Salmon Strawflower is a stunning tall cultivar of Xerochrysum bracteatum that reaches 24-42 inches and produces vibrant salmon-hued blooms from June through November. These papery flowers emerge 84 days from seed and maintain their color and form indefinitely when dried, making them exceptional for fresh arrangements and long-lasting dried displays. Hardy in zones 9-11 and naturally drought tolerant once established, this variety thrives in full sun with minimal water, asking only a well-draining soil and occasional supplemental watering during its first season.
Full Sun
Low To Moderate
9-11
42in H x 18in W
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Low
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The salmon-colored blooms retain their jewel-like intensity whether fresh or dried, staying on the plant for months across summer and fall. These flowers germinate readily from surface-sown seed within 7-21 days and grow vigorously without fussing over fertilizer or water once established. Cut in the morning when petals are just opening, they can be kept fresh in a vase for weeks with a touch of bleach, or hung to dry for arrangements that last indefinitely.
King Size Salmon Strawflower is grown primarily for cutting and drying. The tall stems and large blooms are excellent for fresh floral arrangements, and their papery texture and lasting color make them a favorite for dried bouquets and long-term decorative displays. Home gardeners and florists value them for their ability to provide continuous color from midsummer through late fall.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date, keeping soil temperature at 70-75°F. Surface sow the seeds and firm lightly; light is required for germination. Expect sprouts in 7-21 days. Germination typically occurs between 70-85°F and within 6-15 days.
Transplant outdoors after the last frost date when soil has warmed and seedlings have developed true leaves. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before planting in the garden.
Direct sow at the last frost date by surface sowing and firming seeds lightly into the soil. Seedlings will emerge within 7-21 days if soil temperature remains between 65-80°F.
Harvest flowers for fresh arrangements in the morning when blooms are at their freshest and petals are just opening. Cut with a clean knife that has been dipped in a solution of 10% household bleach to keep stems disease-free. For dried flowers, harvest at the same stage and hang upside down in a warm, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight until fully dried. A few drops of bleach added to the vase water will prolong the life of fresh-cut flowers.
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