How to Grow: Strawflower
Strawflowers are one of those flowers that make people stop and say, “Wait… is that real?”
Their petals feel almost papery, they come in the prettiest sunset colors, and they dry exactly how they look fresh on the plant. No drooping. No shriveling. Just beautiful everlasting blooms that hold their shape and color for months.
They also make the most satisfying little crinkly sound when you run your fingers over them. Kids absolutely love them for that reason alone.
Strawflowers grow on strong stems between 24 and 36 inches tall, making them perfect for cutting gardens and bouquets. They bloom in shades of white, cream, blush, apricot, peach, orange, yellow, rose, pink, and deep raspberry red. Some even have metallic or antique-looking centers that make them look almost unreal.
How to Grow Strawflowers
Strawflowers love sunshine and heat. The more sun they get, the happier they are.
Planting
Plant in full sun after danger of frost has passed.
They prefer well-drained soil.
Space plants about 9 to 12 inches apart.
Keep them watered while they establish, but once growing, they are surprisingly tough and heat-tolerant.
Strawflowers are one of those flowers that just keep producing the more you cut them.
Pinching
Pinch when the plant is around 6 inches tall. Find the center stem, then use your clippers to snip it above the last three to four leaf sets.
I know it’s hard to do, but it’s important. We want your plant to branch out rather than send up a single, tall stem.
When to Harvest Strawflowers
This part matters.
Harvest strawflowers while the blooms are still fully closed, before the yellow center starts to open.
If you wait too long and the center opens, the flowers won’t dry as nicely and can become shaggy-looking.
The blooms should feel firm and crisp, with the outer petals fully colored but the center still tight.
Drying Strawflowers
One of the reasons I love strawflowers so much is because they dry exactly how they look in the garden.
To dry them:
Strip the leaves off the stems
Gather into small bundles
Hang them upside down in a dry place with good airflow
That’s it.
They keep their color beautifully and make some of the best dried flowers for arrangements, wreaths, and decorating.
I especially love using them to decorate my amaryllis gardens during the winter season. They add so much texture and color.
They’re also perfect for:
Fall bouquets
Everlasting bouquets
Wreaths
Dried flower crafts
Vase arrangements you don’t have to remember to change the water on
Honestly, strawflowers are just plain fun. They’re cheerful, productive, easy to grow, and they bring that little bit of magic both fresh and dried.
