100 Pcs (FL146) -Mixed Strawflowers Helichrysum Flower Seeds- Xerochrysum Bracteatum- Annual Flower

Xerochrysum bracteatum. This mixed strawflower blend is selected for uniform growth and uniform flowering, so it's ideal for flower arrangements both fresh and dried. Sultane strawflower seeds produce a bright and festive looking range of flowers in copper-red, orange, yellow, pink, salmon, and white. The stems are tall and straight, and perfect for cutting. As dried flowers, they keep their colour and crisp nature better than most. In the garden, strawflowers are highly attractive to wild and domestic bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects. Sultane grows to about 90-100cm (36-40") tall. To dry strawflowers, simply gather them in small bunches and hang upside down indoors in an airy room away from direct sunlight. Once dry, these will last for months.

• Uniform flowering

• Tall and straight

• Bright colours

• Attracts beneficials

• Excellent for dried flowers

Latin

Xerochrysum bracteatum (also widely listed as Helichrysum bracteautum and even Bracteantha bracteata).

Family: Asteraceae

Difficulty

Easy

Season & Zone

Exposure: Full sun

Zone: 2-10

Timing

Direct sow mid-April, but only in regions with long summers. Otherwise, sow indoors 6 – 8 weeks before last frost. That’s before the third week in February on the coast. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 18-21°C (65-70°F). Seeds should sprout in 5-20 days.

Starting

Sow seeds on the surface of the soil, as they need light to germinate. Water from below or use a mister to avoid disturbing the seeds. Space 30-45cm (12-18″) apart, and only transplant once the night time temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F).

Growing

Sultane strawflower seeds are particularly uniform, so they tend to all be in bloom at once from summer to late fall. Cut flowers as needed for arrangements and drying, and deadhead any spent flowers that you are not going to use. Doing a second sowing, two to three weeks after the first, will produce a longer bloom time.

Companion Planting

Cornflowers are attractive to butterflies and pollinators of all kinds.