Strawflower Seeds

Beautiful blooms that will make you question whether they are fresh or dried, strawflowers are an Australian native that will grace your garden with blossoms of red, yellow, orange, white, and pink. Those brightly colored blooms, though, aren't quite what you think. Rather than petals around the florets at the center, strawflowers have specialized leaves called bracts, and their dry crunch is what gives the flower its name. These herbaceous perennials grow two to three feet tall and bloom best in full sun.

• 20 strawflower seed varieties
• From the same family as daisies, asters, and sunflowers
• Heat and drought tolerant
• Perfect for cut flower gardens and as dried flowers

These unique and fascinating flowers are also called paper daisy, everlasting daisy, and golden everlasting. They were popular among European nobility in the 1700s, and are grown on the West Lawn at Monticello. Some sources even claim that the ancient Greeks and Egyptians used these everlasting blossoms to decorate temples.

As might be expected from vegetation native to Australia, strawflowers grow best in warm weather, and are perennial only in USDA zones 8 through 10. In cooler climates, they can still be grown as an annual, and dried for cut flower arrangements when the temperature drops. Blooms last as long as the heat does, and deadheading regularly will encourage the production of new flowers throughout the season.

Sow strawflowers in starter trays indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost, or direct sow them when the soil temperature is above 65°F. Strawflowers are easy to transplant, and direct sowing is only recommended for areas with long summers and night time temperatures over 60°F. They prefer well-drained soil and lots of sunlight. Once established, strawflowers need watering only about once a week in dry weather. Leave room for airflow between the plants to encourage healthy, long lasting blooms. Strawflower also grows well in containers, particularly when placed on a sunny porch or front step.

The best companions for strawflower are other plants with low water needs. Plant with Eden Brothers' Blue Love-in-a-Mist Seeds or Miss Jekyll Double Love-in-a-Mist Seed Mix to add a splash of additional color, and dry nigella and strawflower together for beautiful winter arrangements. Heat-hardy plants such as lavender, sage, and thyme can provide backdrop and ground cover, while coneflowers (Try Eden Brothers' Dynamic Duo—Echinacea and Black Eyed Susan Seed Mix!) add additional color and attract pollinators.

To harvest and dry, simply cut flowers at the base of the stem and hang upside in a dry space with good airflow. Keep dried flowers out of direct sunlight to preserve the color.

For more information about planting, growing, and caring for strawflower seed, see our Strawflower Seeds Planting Guide.