How to Grow Strawflower
Xerochrysum bracteatum
When to Start
Sow indoors 4 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost risk has passed and soil reaches 10°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Light feeding only. Thrives in well-drained, even poor soil — rich soil produces lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
- Classic everlasting flower, prized for dried arrangements. Extremely drought tolerant once established. Thrives in full sun and poor, well-drained soil.
Companion Planting
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Growing Conditions
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- Sow indoors
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- Transplant out
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- First harvest
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 25 cm |
| Row spacing | 35 cm |
| Sow depth | 0 cm |
| Mature height | 60 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Half-hardy annual grown for cutting and drying. Space evenly for good air circulation and to reduce mildew risk. Closer spacing can increase stem length.
Care Guide
- Feeding
- Light feeding only. Thrives in well-drained, even poor soil — rich soil produces lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
- Watch for
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- Aphids
- Slugs on young plants
- Powdery mildew
- Grey mould
Pests & Diseases
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of small green or black insects on shoot tips and flower buds, causing distorted growth and sticky honeydew
- Blast off with a strong jet of water
- Spray with fatty acid-based insecticide
- Encourage ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies
- Spray with a contact insecticide containing deltamethrin or lambda-cyhalothrin
Pest Slugs and Snails
Identification: Irregular holes in young leaves and slime trails around plants, worst in wet weather
- Use beer traps or copper tape barriers
- Apply organic slug pellets (ferric phosphate)
- Encourage natural predators such as hedgehogs and ground beetles
- Ferric phosphate-based pellets
Disease Powdery Mildew
Symptoms: White powdery coating on leaves and stems, causing yellowing and reduced vigour
Treatment: Remove badly affected leaves. Spray with a fungicide if severe
Prevention: Space plants well for good airflow, avoid overhead watering, and do not overwater
Disease Grey Mould (Botrytis)
Symptoms: Grey fuzzy mould on stems, leaves or flowers, especially in cool wet conditions
Treatment: Remove and destroy affected material immediately. Improve air circulation around plants
Prevention: Avoid overhead watering, space plants adequately, and do not overwater. Remove dead or dying plant material promptly
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 10°C |
| Germination temperature | 18–22°C |
| Base growth temperature | 8°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 11h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Strawflower?
- Plant Strawflower 25cm apart with 35cm between rows.
- When does Strawflower flower?
- Strawflower typically flowers approximately 70 days after transplanting.
- Is Strawflower frost hardy?
- Strawflower is classified as Half Hardy.
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