Strawflower ‘Scarlet’
Bracteantha bracteata
Description
A versatile and textural addition to the cutting garden, strawflower can be used fresh and also dried for use in fall bouquets and wreaths. These rich ruby-red flowers have glowing gold centers and are absolutely mesmerizing. Also known as everlasting flowers, the color and shape of these papery blooms will last indefinitely when dried. Pollinators love them.
Details
Plant type: annual
Height: 36 to 42 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 36 to 42 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in trays 6 weeks before last frost. Transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Seed requires light to germinate, so do not cover. Bottom-water until seedlings emerge.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when the flowers are half open and before they are pollinated. Expect a vase life of 7 days or more. To dry, remove foliage and hang upside down in a warm, dark place until firm.
Details
Description
A versatile and textural addition to the cutting garden, strawflower can be used fresh and also dried for use in fall bouquets and wreaths. These rich ruby-red flowers have glowing gold centers and are absolutely mesmerizing. Also known as everlasting flowers, the color and shape of these papery blooms will last indefinitely when dried. Pollinators love them.
Details
Plant type: annual
Height: 36 to 42 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 36 to 42 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in trays 6 weeks before last frost. Transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Seed requires light to germinate, so do not cover. Bottom-water until seedlings emerge.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when the flowers are half open and before they are pollinated. Expect a vase life of 7 days or more. To dry, remove foliage and hang upside down in a warm, dark place until firm.
Sources
How to Grow
Sources
How to Grow
Seed-Saving Mini Course
Learn how to save seed from zinnia, dahlia, and celosia
In our free, three-part video series, you’ll learn everything you need to know to save seeds on a home scale, including how plants are pollinated and isolation techniques to ensure varieties come back true, how to tell when plants are ready to pick and how to harvest the seeds, and how to properly dry, clean, and store seeds long term.
