Flowers Mix Growing Guides

How to Grow Strawflower Tall Mixed

Direct Sowing Outdoors (Recommended in Warm Conditions)

Strawflower Tall Mixed is a warm-season annual that thrives in heat and well-drained soil. It produces long-lasting blooms that are excellent for fresh arrangements and dried bouquets.

• 1. Choose a Season
  Direct-sow outdoors after the last frost, once soil temperatures reach about 65°F. In cooler regions, start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost and transplant after all frost danger has passed.
• 2. Choose the Right Spot
  Choose a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Strawflower tolerates poor, dry ground and thrives in heat. Avoid rich or waterlogged soil.
• 3. Prepare the Soil
  Loosen the top layer of soil and remove weeds, rocks, and debris. Rake the area smooth before sowing. Well-drained soil is important because strawflower does not like soggy conditions.
• 4. Broadcast the Seeds
  Spread seeds evenly over the planting area. Aim for 9 to 12 inches between plants after thinning. For an even stand, broadcast the seeds first and thin seedlings later. 1 oz covers up to 500 sq ft.
• 5. Create Good Seed-to-Soil Contact
  Press seeds gently into the soil surface. Do not bury them deeply. Cover with no more than 1/8 inch of fine soil or vermiculite. Strawflower needs light to germinate.
• 6. Water the Area
  Mist gently with a fine spray to settle the seeds. Keep soil moist for 7 to 14 days until germination. Use a fine mist - a strong stream may wash the seeds away.
• 7. Grow On
  Once established, strawflower is drought-tolerant and needs only moderate watering. Tall Mixed grows about 24 to 36 inches and may benefit from light staking in windy spots.

Starting Indoors (Alternative for Cooler Regions)

In cooler regions, starting strawflower indoors helps plants get a head start before warm outdoor conditions arrive.

• 1. Start Seeds Early
  Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost.
• 2. Surface Sow the Seeds
  Sprinkle seeds on the surface of a fine seed-starting mix and press them in gently. Cover with no more than 1/8 inch of fine soil or vermiculite, as the seeds need light to germinate.
• 3. Keep Lightly Moist
  Mist gently and keep the growing medium lightly moist, but not soggy. Germination usually takes 7 to 14 days.
• 4. Provide Bright Light
  Once seedlings emerge, place them in bright light or under grow lights to keep plants strong and compact.
• 5. Transplant Outdoors
  Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors. Plant after all frost danger has passed, spacing plants 9 to 12 inches apart in a sunny, well-drained location.

Growing Tips

• Strawflower is a warm-season annual - plant after frost danger has passed.
• Choose full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Seeds need light to germinate - press into the soil surface and cover only lightly.
• Cover seeds with no more than 1/8 inch of fine soil or vermiculite.
• Keep soil moist during germination, usually 7 to 14 days.
• Use a fine mist when watering - a strong stream may wash the seeds away.
• Thin seedlings to 9 to 12 inches apart for healthy growth and airflow.
• 1 oz covers up to 500 sq ft.
• Plants grow up to 36 inches tall.
• Light staking may help in windy spots.
• Once established, strawflower is drought-tolerant and needs only moderate watering.
• Blooms appear from midsummer through first frost.
• For dried bouquets, harvest flowers when buds are just beginning to open.
• Hang harvested flowers upside down in a cool, dry place for 2 to 3 weeks.