Strawflower enjoys blooming from spring until fall.
Learn more about caring for the strawflower plant in our complete guide.
Light
Strawflowers thrive in full sun, although they can tolerate part shade.
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In the latter case, they won’t bloom quite as much.
Growing strawflowers in full sun will help prevent weak and floppy stems.
Add mulch to retain soil moisture and keep the soil temperature consistent.
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Weekly watering will keep the flowers perky and fresh.
Strawflowers are not frost-tolerant, so they grow best in warm weather and prefer low humidity.
Fertilizer
Although not heavy feeders, a monthly software of balancedflower fertilizerwill keep your strawflowers blooming steadily.
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Strawflower plantsgrowing in containersneed more frequentfertilizingthan those planted in the garden, about every two weeks.
For amounts, follow the instructions on the label.
This also promotes more blooms.
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Or, you might harvest your own seeds from spent flowers in the winter.
Shake the bag to separate seeds or rub flowerheads together.
Transplant a strawflower plant if you prefer.
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Choose a new container that is one size larger than the previous pot.
Fill it with fresh potting mix.
Plant the ball at a similar depth as its last container.
A Rhododendron leafhopperChristian Hutter / Getty Images
This lowers the risk of traumatizing the plant.
These plants also make lovely filler plants for mixed containers as long as the others thrive in similar conditions.
Affected plants will exhibit yellowing of leaves and stunted growth.
A butterfly on strawflowerschnuddel / Getty Images
Strawflower blossoms bring vivid colors to your garden and craft projects alike.
Strawflower blooms can last several days (even a week or more) before dropping.
This is true even when harvested for cut flowers.
What Do Strawflower Blooms Look and Smell Like?
These blooms come in warm colors including yellow, orange, red, and occasionally pink and white.
They arent true petals at all, but modified leaves called bracts.
How to Encourage More Blooms
To encourage more blooms, trim off spent flowers and fertilize regularly.
Here are a few things to look out for.
Eventually, the stem and roots will turn brown and black.
Although the plant tolerates some shade, too much can diminish its blooms.
Additionally, strawflowers can become leggy as they reach for light if they are in too much shade.
While pinching is not required,deadheadingfaded flowers regularly encourages continuous bloom.
Blooms that have fully opened so their centers are visible close when its dark and on overcast days.
If they are cut too late, they will fall apart during drying.
Strawflower Helichrysum.The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.
