How to Grow Statice
Limonium sinuatum
Statice (Limonium) excels in full sun and very free-draining, alkaline to neutral soils. Start indoors in spring or direct sow in warm, dry sites; avoid waterlogging. Plants dislike root disturbance—transplant carefully and keep on the dry side once established. Minimal feeding is needed. For cut or dried flowers, harvest when most florets are open but still fresh; hang bunches upside-down in a dark, airy place to dry. Good for coastal or drought-prone gardens.
When to Start
Sow indoors 6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost risk has passed and soil reaches 8°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Light balanced feed at planting. Avoid rich soil.
- One of the best flowers for drying — retains colour well. Needs full sun and well-drained soil.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 8°C+
- Germination temperature
- 18–22°C
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 45 cm |
| Sow depth | 0.5 cm |
| Mature height | 45 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Also known as Sea Lavender. Grown for its long-lasting flowers (calyces), often used in dried arrangements. Good air circulation is key.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of green or black insects on stems and flower buds; sticky honeydew; distorted growth
- Blast off with a jet of water
- Spray with insecticidal soap
- Encourage ladybirds and hoverflies as natural predators
- Spray with a contact insecticide containing pyrethrins
Pest Slugs and Snails
Identification: Irregular holes in leaves; slime trails; seedlings eaten at ground level
- Apply organic slug pellets (ferric phosphate based) around young plants
- Hand-pick at dusk; use beer traps
- Ensure good drainage around plants as slugs prefer damp conditions
- Apply ferric phosphate slug pellets around vulnerable plants
Disease Grey Mould (Botrytis) Botrytis cinerea
Symptoms: Fuzzy grey mould on flowers and stems; brown, water-soaked patches; flowers rot before fully opening
Treatment: Remove affected plant parts promptly; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering
Prevention: Space plants well for airflow; water at the base; avoid wetting foliage; remove spent flowers
Disease Crown Rot
Symptoms: Wilting despite adequate water; dark, soft rot at the base of the plant; plant collapses; roots may be brown and mushy
Treatment: Remove and destroy affected plants; improve drainage; avoid overwatering
Prevention: Plant in very well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; do not overwater; add grit to heavy soils
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 8°C |
| Germination temperature | 18–22°C |
| Base growth temperature | 6°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 10h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | long day |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Statice?
- Plant Statice 30cm apart with 45cm between rows.
- When does Statice flower?
- Statice typically flowers approximately 85 days after transplanting.
- Is Statice frost hardy?
- Statice is classified as Half Hardy.
