Are you looking for a cut flower that is beautiful, both fresh and dried? Something that is drought tolerant? Add colorful strawflowers to your flower garden. These heirloom favorites are growing in popularity and can be used in all kinds of flower arrangements. See how easy it is to grow strawflowers.
As their name suggests, strawflowers have stiff petals like straw, but unlike straw, they are very colorful. Strawflowers come in a wide range of colors, from creamy whites to dark pinks. The flower heads can be one to three inches wide.
Strawflowers look like daisies with a center disk surrounded by petals. But the petals of strawflowers are actually bracts. The bracts unfurl to reveal the yellow flower inside. This is where the seeds will develop and eventually fly away like dandelion tufts.
Easy-to-grow strawflowers have a long vase life, making them a popular choice in flower farms. They also keep their color when dried and are used in dry arrangements.
Hey there fellow garden enthusiasts! I’ve been growing strawflowers for several years now, and I gotta tell you – watching these little seedlings emerge is one of the most exciting parts of my gardening journey. Today, I’m gonna share everything I know about identifying and caring for strawflower seedlings, so you can grow these beautiful everlasting flowers too!
Identifying Young Strawflower Seedlings
When your strawflower seeds first sprout, here’s what to look for:
First Stage (Days 1-7)
- Cotyledon Leaves: The first leaves you’ll see are paddle or spade-shaped
- Color: Vibrant green (like, seriously bright!)
- Size: Super tiny and close to the soil surface
- Stem: Really delicate and slender
- Texture: If you look real close, there’s a subtle fuzzy feeling to them
True Leaves Stage (Days 7-14)
After those first cotyledon leaves, you’ll start seeing
- True leaves appearing between days 10-21
- More fuzzy texture developing
- Stronger stems starting to form
- Additional leaf sets every 3-5 days
Growth Timeline
Let me break down what happens when
- Days 1-3: Seeds absorb water (nothing visible yet)
- Days 3-7: Root tip emerges
- Days 7-14: Stem extends upward and cotyledons unfurl
- Days 10-21: First true leaves appear
Proper Care for Your Baby Strawflowers
Listen up! Here’s what your seedlings need to thrive
Light Requirements
- At least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
- If growing indoors, use grow lights for 16 hours per day
- Keep lights close to prevent leggy growth
Water & Soil Needs
- Use well-draining potting mix
- Bottom water when possible (trust me, it works better!)
- Let top inch of soil dry between waterings
- Maintain about 65% humidity
Temperature
- Keep between 70-75°F (21-24°C)
- Don’t let temps drop below 50°F (10°C)
Common Problems I’ve Encountered
Y’all, I’ve made some mistakes along the way. Here’s what to watch for:
Problem Signs:
- Leggy seedlings: Not enough light
- Yellow leaves: Usually overwatering
- Wilting: Could be root issues or poor drainage
- Damping off: Too wet or crowded
Quick Fixes:
- Add a small fan for air circulation
- Space seedlings properly
- Improve lighting conditions
- Reduce watering frequency
When to Transplant
I usually transplant my strawflower seedlings when:
- They have 3-4 sets of true leaves
- They’re about 3-4 inches tall
- Weather is consistently above 50°F (10°C)
Pro Tips from My Experience
Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way:
- Don’t bury seeds – they need light to germinate
- Label everything! (Trust me, you’ll forget what’s what)
- Start hardening off 7-10 days before transplanting
- Space final plants 10-12 inches apart
- Pinch tops when young for bushier growth
What to Expect Later
Your patience will pay off! Here’s what’s coming:
- First blooms: 12-14 weeks from seed
- Plant height: 36-40 inches
- Stem length: 12-20 inches
- Vase life: 7-10 days
Final Thoughts
Growing strawflowers from seed isn’t rocket science, but it does require some attention to detail. I remember my first batch – I nearly drowned them with too much water! But once you get the hang of it, these sturdy little plants will reward you with gorgeous, long-lasting blooms.
Remember, every gardener’s experience is different, and that’s okay! Don’t get discouraged if your seedlings don’t look exactly like someone else’s. As long as they’re growing and looking healthy, you’re on the right track.
Happy growing, friends! Drop a comment below if you’ve got any questions about your strawflower seedlings – I’d love to help!
P.S. Don’t forget to check your seedlings daily – it’s amazing how fast they grow and change!
How to Grow Strawflowers from Seed
Strawflowers can be started indoors or directly sown outdoors.
You can start strawflower seeds indoors six weeks before the last frost date. When sowing seeds outdoors, wait until temperatures exceed 60ºF and the soil is warm.
HOW to PLANT and GROW STRAWFLOWERS plus TIPS for growing strawflowers in HOT CLIMATES
FAQ
What does a strawflower plant look like?
The daisy appearing flowers have a yellow central disk that is surrounded by glossy bracts in a variety of colors. Having petals similar to stiff paper, they unfold to form rings in bright colors. The common name strawflower, comes from the straw-like texture of these bracts.
How long does it take to grow strawflowers from seed?
Strawflower seeds require light to germinate. Press seeds lightly into the soil, but don’t cover them. Seedlings should begin to appear in seven to 10 days.
Do strawflowers like full sun or shade?
Grow strawflowers in full sun (at least six to eight hours of direct sun per day) and well-drained soil or potting mix. Strawflowers will tolerate part shade, but they don’t usually bloom as profusely, and may get a little leggy as they stretch for light.
Does strawflower come back every year?
Annual or Perennial? The strawflower can behave as a short-lived perennial in zones 8 to 11, returning reliably for two to three years.Sep 16, 2024