Planting Guide: How to Grow Everlasting Strawflowers (Xerochrysum bracteatum) from Seed
Everlasting Strawflower planting advice, step-by-step sowing guide, different varieties, and aftercare.
Flower Variety Identification
Common Name: Everlasting Strawflower
Scientific Name: Xerochrysum bracteatum
Family: Asteraceae
When to plant Everlasting Strawflowers in your climate
Not sure what your climate is? See our climate charts.
Cool: January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December
Temperate: March, April, September, October, November, December
Sub-Tropical: April, May, June, July
Tropical:
Arid: February, March, April, August, September, October
Step by Step guide to growing Everlasting Strawflowers
1. Choosing the Right Time to Plant
Strawflowers are typically grown as annuals and can be started from seed either indoors or directly in the garden. For cooler climates, sow the seeds indoors in early spring. In warmer climates, you can directly sow them outdoors once the danger of frost has passed.
When to plant:
- Indoor sowing: 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
- Outdoor sowing: After the last frost, when temperatures are consistently above 10°C ideally between 18-21°C
2. Picking the Ideal Location
Strawflowers thrive in full sunlight, and they grow best in spots that receive 6-8 hours of direct sun each day. They prefer well-drained soil but can tolerate poor soil conditions.
Location needs:
- Full sun (6-8 hours of sunlight)
- Well-drained soil
- Space for air circulation to prevent mildew
3. Preparing the Soil
Strawflowers are not particularly demanding in terms of soil quality but they do need it to be well draining.They hate wet feet! Sandy soils work well so if your garden soil is heavy, add sand or organic matter, such as compost to improve the drainage
Steps for soil preparation:
- Loosen the soil with a garden fork or tiller to a depth of 8-10 inches.
- Remove weeds, rocks, and other debris from the planting area.
- Add compost to improve drainage, especially in clay soils.
4. Sowing Everlasting Strawflower Seeds
You can start your seeds indoors or sow them directly outdoors depending on your climate. Strawflowers are sensitive to frost, so indoor sowing allows you to get a head start in cooler climates.
Green house (indoor) sowing method:
- Fill seed trays or pots with seed-starting mix.
- Put one seed per cell in and cover them lightly with soil. Make sure you leave some space from the top for water.
- Mist the soil gently to keep it moist but not soggy.
- Place the seed trays in a warm, sunny spot.
- Seeds should germinate within 7-14 days at temperatures around 21°C.
Direct sowing method:
- Wait until the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to at least 10°C.
- Scatter the seeds over the prepared garden bed and press them lightly into the soil, ensuring they remain exposed to light for germination.
- Water gently to keep the soil moist during germination.
- Thin seedlings to 20-30cm apart once they are 6-10 cm tall to prevent overcrowding.
5. Watering and Care During Germination
Strawflowers are drought-tolerant plants, but they need consistent moisture during the germination and seedling stages. Once established, they require less water, but it’s important to keep the soil moist while the seeds are sprouting.
Watering tips:
- Water the soil lightly and consistently, but avoid water logging the seeds or seedlings.
- Once seedlings are established, water only when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
- Avoid overhead watering, as this can promote fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plants.
6. Fertilising Strawflowers
Strawflowers are not heavy feeders, but a light application of balanced fertiliser can help promote vigorous growth and more blooms.
Fertiliser tips:
- Use a balanced fertiliser or an organic option like compost tea.
- Apply once at planting and once again during the early blooming stage.
- Be careful not to over-fertilise, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Three Growing Tips
1. Deadhead Regularly to Extend Blooming:
To keep your strawflowers blooming throughout the growing season, remove old flowers regularly. This will encourage the plant to produce more blooms rather than putting energy into seed production.
2. Provide Proper Air Circulation:
Good air circulation helps prevent common fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Space plants appropriately and avoid overcrowding to ensure airflow around the foliage.
3. Mulch to Retain Moisture and Suppress Weeds:
Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of your strawflowers can help retain moisture, prevent weed growth, and keep the roots cool in hot weather.
Different Kinds of Everlasting Strawflowers
Strawflowers come in a variety of colours and forms, making them a versatile and attractive option for any garden. Here are five popular varieties to consider for your garden:
Everlasting Strawflower Gold Yellow:
Everlasting Strawflower Gold Yellow has large flowers with golden orange centres and yellow papery petals
Everlasting Strawflower Silvery Rose:
Known for its soft, silvery-pink petals, this variety adds a subtle and elegant touch to borders and floral arrangements.
Everlasting Strawflower Mix:
Everlasting Strawflower Mix has large flowers with papery petals. The mix includes red, pink, orange, yellow, and white colour flowers.
Everlasting Strawflower Flamingo Pink:
This variety produces deep pink, papery blooms that make it a striking addition to garden beds and bouquets.
Everlasting Strawflower Red Purple:Everlasting Strawflower Purple Red has large flowers with golden orange centres and purple red petals
Common Diseases and Pests
While strawflowers are generally hardy, they can occasionally suffer from diseases and pests. Knowing how to prevent and treat these issues will help keep your plants healthy throughout the growing season.
Powdery Mildew:
Powdery mildew appears as a white powder on the leaves and stems. To prevent it, ensure proper spacing between plants for good air circulation and water at the base rather than overhead.
Botrytis Blight:
This fungal disease causes grey mould on flowers and leaves, especially in wet, humid conditions. Remove affected plant parts and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk.
Aphids:
Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can damage strawflowers by stunting their growth. Use insecticidal soap or encourage natural predators like ladybugs to control aphid populations.
Slugs and Snails:
These pests can chew holes in young plants. Use barriers such as crushed eggshells or organic slug pellets to deter them.
Rust:
Rust is a fungal disease that causes reddish-brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and improve air circulation around plants to prevent the spread of rust.
Aftercare For Everlasting Strawflowers
Strawflowers are relatively low-maintenance once established, but following a few basic aftercare practices will help ensure they thrive throughout the growing season and beyond.
Watering:
Strawflowers are drought-tolerant once established but will benefit from regular watering during dry spells. Water deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Deadheading:
Regular deadheading will encourage continuous blooming. Toward the end of the growing season, you can allow some flowers to set seeds if you'd like to collect seeds for next year.
Pest Control:
Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests and take appropriate action early. Organic insecticides like neem oil can be effective for controlling aphids and other pests.
Harvesting for Drying:
To dry strawflowers, cut the stems when the flowers are fully open but before the centre begins to darken. Hang them upside down in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated space to preserve their colour and shape.