Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous
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Soil
Fertile, well-drained soil.
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Position
Full sun.
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Frost tolerant
None. Strawflowers grow best in warm weather.
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Feeding
Mix a standard application of a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil prior to planting. In midsummer, drench plants with a liquid plant food to stimulate new growth.
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Companions
Strawflowers close at night and in rainy weather, so they are at their best in sunny beds seen during the day. Blue ageratum or airy nigella make excellent neighbors for strawflowers.
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Spacing
Single Plants: 11" (30cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 11" (30cm) with 11" (30cm) row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Sow seeds indoors in late spring and set plants out after the last frost has passed. Seedlings are sometimes available as bedding plants.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Strawflowers are among the best annuals to grow and dry for use in winter arrangements. Colors include yellow, pink, orange, red and white, all with yellow-orange centers.
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Harvesting
Cut blossoms as soon as they open and hang to dry in small bunches.
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Troubleshooting
Choose tall varieties with long stems for drying. Persistent wet conditions can cause strawflowers to rot.
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