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Cut flowers2 varieties

Strawflower

Xerochrysum bracteatum

Heat-loving annual with papery, long-lasting flower heads prized for dried arrangements.

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Days to maturity

75–85 days

Days to germ.

7–10 days

Spacing

10–12 in

Height

36–40 in

Sun

Sun

How we grow it

Germination

Days to germ.
7–10 d
Depth
0 in

Culture

Days to maturity
75–85 d
Spacing
10–12 in
Height
36–40 in
Sun
Sun
Frost
tender

Harvest

Handling
Harvesting increases yield. For fresh or dried flowers, cut when 2-3 layers of petals have unfolded but before the flower fully opens to reveal its center. Hang to dry.

Timing · Zone 5a

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sow indoorsApr 9
Outdoor / directMay 21 – Jun 18
Bloom (from indoor)Jun 21 – Jul 2
Bloom (from outdoor)Aug 2 – Sep 10

Windows are anchored to an average last frost of May 21 (1 year in 10 as early as Apr 29, as late as Jun 2) and an average first frost of Sep 18 (1 year in 10 as early as Sep 6, as late as Oct 8). In a late or early year, slide them with it.

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Trials

Every Strawflower sowingSeed sources, counts, ratings, and the observations kept against each one.Strawflower trials

Varieties

2 varieties on record