How to Grow Statice: From Seed to Blooms

Statice blooms are easy to grow, attract beneficial pollinators, and are known for their long-lasting and colorful blooms. If you live in a mild-winter area, it may even become a short-lived perennial. In addition, statice is on many florists’ lists of favorite filler flowers. In this blog, I’ll guide you through how to grow statice from seed all the way to harvesting and using the cut flowers. Let’s get started!

A Little Bit About Statice Flowers:

The botanical name for statice is Limonium sinuatum, and it is a popular plant in the plumbago family. Statice produces clusters of small, colorful flowers that bloom throughout the summer and fall months.

Statice first forms a large rosette, followed by several thick stems topped with the statice flowers and calyxes.

One of the most attractive features of statice is the long-lasting flowers. The blooms can last for several weeks or even months, depending on the conditions. This makes it a popular choice for cut flower arrangements, dried flower arrangements, and even as a border plant in gardens.

Starting Statice Seeds Indoors:

Transplanting statice (not direct sowing) is recommended. Statice seeds should be started indoors about 6-8 weeks before the planting date in your area. 

I use statice seeds from Johnnny’s seeds (not sponsored) with excellent results.

Statice seeds typically germinate in 5-14 days at 70°F (21°C).

• To start, sow the seeds in a container with well-draining soil and keep them moist but not soggy.
• Light aids germination; cover statice seeds lightly.
• Place the container in a warm spot with plenty of light.
• Harden off seedlings before planting outdoors. 

Read this blog post for more information about how to start seeds indoors.

When to Plant Statice Outside:

In cold-winter areas, transplant statice outside on your last frost date. Mild-winter areas often plant statice in the late fall or early spring. 

Dates for planting statice in the low desert of Arizona:
Start statice seeds indoors from September – October. 
Plant statice transplants outdoors from mid-October through November. 

Established statice plants are somewhat frost-tolerant.

How to Plant and Care for Statice as it Grows:

Choose a location with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight and rich, well-draining soil. Amend the planting area with compost if desired. Space the plants 12″-18″ (30-45 cm) apart, and water them lightly after planting.

If using square foot gardening, plant one statice per square.

Statice plants require minimal care once established. Water them deeply every 7-10 days, and ensure the soil is evenly moist but not saturated. Fertilize occasionally with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer meant for flowers. If you aren’t harvesting flowers for cut flowers, deadhead them to encourage new blooms. 

Statice plants grow 24″-30″ (60-76 cm) tall and usually don’t require staking.

Harvesting Statice for Cut Flowers:

Harvest statice blooms for cut flowers once they are fully formed and have reached their vibrant color. Cut the flower stems at the base of the plant and remove any leaves or small branches.

Arrange the flowers in a vase with fresh water; they’ll last for weeks.

Statice flowers are perfect for drying and using as dried flowers. The papery texture of statice becomes more pronounced when dried.

To dry statice stems:

• Gather the stems into small bunches.
• Tie stems together with string, a rubber band, or floral wire.
• Hang upside down, allowing adequate spacing between bunches.
• Drying time varies due to the length of stems and conditions. Decrease drying time by increasing temperature or adding air movement with a fan.

How to Use Statice Flowers in Arrangements:

Statice blooms look beautiful alone or when paired with other flowers in a bouquet or arrangement. They add a pop of color and texture to floral designs and are perfect for adding height and structure. Statice flowers can also be used in wreaths and dried arrangements.

This post shares tips and tricks for making beautiful flower arrangements from the garden.

How Long Does Statice Last in the Garden?

Although usually grown as an annual, statice plants can last several seasons in the garden in mild-winter climates. The most abundant blooms will be from early spring through summer. 

Learning how to grow statice is a fun and rewarding gardening project. From planting seeds indoors to harvesting cut flowers, statice is a low-maintenance plant that adds color and beauty to any garden bed or floral arrangement. Happy gardening!

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