How to Grow and Care for Strawflowers

Strawflowers (Xerochrysum bracteatum) are popular for their vibrant, papery blooms that can last for months, even after being cut and dried. Native to Australia, these hardy plants are known for their ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions, making them ideal for xeriscaping or low-maintenance gardens. Whether you’re growing strawflowers for their beauty or for use in floral arrangements, understanding the best practices for planting, growing, and caring for them is essential to ensuring a successful harvest.

1. Choosing the Right Location

Strawflowers thrive in full sunlight, so choosing a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day is crucial. They are adapted to grow in warm, dry climates, so a sunny garden bed or a spot with well-drained soil will provide the best growing conditions.

Avoid areas where water tends to pool or soil remains soggy, as strawflowers are susceptible to root rot in overly moist conditions. Ideal soil should be sandy or loamy and have good drainage. If your garden’s soil is clay-heavy or tends to retain water, amend it by incorporating organic matter or sand to improve drainage.

2. Soil Preparation

Before planting, prepare the soil by removing any weeds and adding compost or well-rotted organic matter to enhance soil fertility and structure. Strawflowers aren’t particularly demanding when it comes to soil nutrients, but they will benefit from slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0). Make sure the soil is loose and crumbly, allowing the roots to grow easily.

3. Planting Strawflowers

You can start strawflowers from seeds, which is the most common method. In warmer climates, it’s possible to sow them directly outdoors after the last frost, typically in spring. In cooler climates, it’s better to start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost and transplant them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.

To plant strawflower seeds:

1. Direct sowing: Scatter the seeds over the prepared soil and lightly press them in without covering them, as they need light to germinate. Space the seeds about 12-18 inches apart to allow for their full growth.

2. Indoor sowing: Fill seed trays with a well-draining seed-starting mix, and lightly press the seeds into the surface. Keep the soil moist and place the tray in a warm location with temperatures around 70°F (21°C). Once the seedlings are large enough to handle and have at least one set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into the garden.

4. Watering

Strawflowers are drought-tolerant plants, but they need regular watering during their early stages of growth. After the plants are established, they can thrive with minimal watering, making them ideal for dry gardens or regions with water scarcity. Water deeply, but avoid overhead watering, as the leaves can develop fungal issues if consistently wet.

Let the soil dry out between watering sessions. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, consider using raised beds or planting in containers with good drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions.

5. Fertilizing

Strawflowers don’t require heavy fertilization, but a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring can help them grow strong and produce vibrant blooms. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can lead to lush foliage growth at the expense of flowers. A moderate application of a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) should be sufficient for most plants.

If you’re growing strawflowers in pots, you might want to apply a liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season to ensure adequate nutrients.

6. Pruning and Deadheading

To promote more blooms and extend the flowering period, it’s important to regularly deadhead spent flowers. Removing the dead or fading flowers prevents the plant from wasting energy on seed production and encourages new flower buds to form. You can also prune the plants by cutting back leggy stems or any areas that are becoming too unruly.

In general, strawflowers are relatively low-maintenance, but occasional pruning can help maintain a tidy appearance and prevent overcrowding. If you want to grow strawflowers as cut flowers, you can also prune them early in the blooming process to harvest the most colorful and firm petals.

7. Pests and Diseases

While strawflowers are generally pest-resistant, they may occasionally face issues with aphids, spider mites, or powdery mildew. To prevent pests, ensure the plants are spaced properly to allow for good air circulation. If you notice pests, treat the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Be sure to spray early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects, such as bees and ladybugs.

Powdery mildew can develop in overly humid conditions, especially when plants are crowded. Pruning to improve air circulation and avoiding overhead watering will reduce the risk of mildew. If mildew does appear, treat it with fungicide or a homemade solution of water and baking soda.

8. Supporting Strawflowers

Although strawflowers grow to a manageable height (typically 18-24 inches tall), they can sometimes require support, especially in windy areas or when they become top-heavy with blooms. You can use plant stakes or cages to support the stems, ensuring they don’t fall over or break under the weight of their flowers.

9. Harvesting Strawflowers

Strawflowers are primarily grown for their long-lasting, dried flowers, making them an excellent addition to floral arrangements. To harvest them:

1. Wait until the flowers are fully open and the petals feel papery and dry to the touch. This ensures they are mature enough for drying.

2. Cut the flowers early in the morning when the plants are cool and hydrated. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the stems, leaving about 6 inches of stem.

3. Hang the flowers upside down in a dry, dark area with good airflow, such as a shed or attic. This helps preserve their color and prevents them from fading in direct sunlight.

4. Allow the flowers to dry for 1-2 weeks. Once they are completely dry, they can be stored or used in crafts and arrangements.

10. Overwintering Strawflowers

Strawflowers are annuals, meaning they complete their life cycle in one season. However, in mild climates, you may find that they self-seed and return the following year. If you’re growing strawflowers in a colder region, it’s unlikely that they will survive the winter outdoors, so you’ll need to treat them as annuals and replant them each year.

Alternatively, you can collect seeds from the flowers before the first frost and store them in a cool, dry place for planting the following spring.

Conclusion

With minimal care and the right growing conditions, strawflowers can thrive and produce stunning blooms throughout the growing season. Their long-lasting flowers are perfect for adding color to your garden and creating everlasting floral arrangements. By selecting an optimal location, practicing proper watering and fertilizing techniques, and harvesting them at the right time, you can enjoy the beauty of strawflowers both in your garden and in your home.