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How to Grow Strawflowers (Everlasting Flowers): 5 Tips for Success

If you’re looking for a heat-loving, drought-tolerant flower that thrives in hot summers, strawflowers (also called “Everlasting flowers” or “paper flowers”) are a perfect choice. These bright blooms from Australia feature colorful concentric rings and tall stems, making them ideal for cutting gardens and long-lasting displays. Below are 5 tips to help you grow strawflowers, including choosing the right varieties, the best ways to plant them, and advice on container gardening.

How to Grow Strawflowers_ 5 Tips for Growing Strawflowers

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Article Outline:

  1. Choose the Best Location — and the Right Variety
  2. Plant Strawflowers at the Right Time
  3. Care for Strawflowers as They Grow
  4. Harvest Strawflowers at the Right Time
  5. Save Seeds from Everlasting Flowers to Plant Next Season

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


1. Choose the Best Location — and the Right Variety

Strawflowers thrive in full sun but prefer a bit of shade in scorching areas. Picking the right variety for your space—tall or dwarf—makes all the difference.

  • Sunlight: Strawflowers grow best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. In extremely hot climates (like the low desert of Arizona), they appreciate a bit of afternoon shade during the hottest months. They may not last all summer but will grow for several months in the heat.
  • Soil: Any well-drained soil will do. Mix compost into the planting area to improve fertility.
How to Grow Strawflowers (Everlasting Flowers)_ 5 Tips for Success (2)

Strawflower Planting Tips

  • Seed Sowing: Strawflower seeds require light to germinate. Lightly cover seeds with vermiculite when starting indoors. Learn more about how to start seeds indoors in this guide.
  • Spacing: Most strawflowers grow 2–3 feet (61–91 cm) tall and 6–18 inches (15–45 cm) wide, which can vary by variety. Space cut flower varieties 6 inches (15cm) apart. Allow more space if you live in a wet climate to allow for air circulation. Allow 12 inches (30 cm) between bedding plants.
  • Support: Stake or provide support for cut flower varieties. I use trellis netting to support these tall flowers. Learn more about how to use trellis netting in this guide.

Use fresh seeds each year. Strawflower seeds do not store well.

Everlasting Flower Varieties to Consider

Tall Varieties (2–3 feet / 61–91 cm): Ideal for cutting gardens and bouquets. Examples:

  • ‘King Size’ series – Large, robust blooms
  • ‘Cut Flower’ series – Large flowers on sturdy stems

Dwarf (Bedding) Varieties (8–12 inches / 20–30 cm): Perfect for containers or small gardens. Examples:

  • ‘Tom Thumb’ series – Short stems, vibrant hues like yellow and orange.
  • ‘Rainbow Bouquet’ dwarf– Compact growth in multiple colors. This one is a personal favorite. Get seeds here.

Choose a variety based on where you plan to grow (in-ground or containers) and how tall you want your plants to get.

Choose the Best Location — and the Right Variety

2. Plant Strawflowers at the Right Time

Getting your timing right helps seeds sprout and seedlings adjust quickly—so plan around your local climate for the best results. Strawflowers are in the group of cool season hardy annuals. They tolerate temperatures down to 10°F (-12°C). If they can withstand your coldest temperatures, plant outside 6-8 weeks before your last fall frost. You can also plant everlasting flowers in the spring 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost. Look up your last frost date here

Low Desert of Arizona: Start seeds indoors from August through December and plant seeds or transplants outside from October through February.

Cold Climates:

  • Indoors: Start seeds 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
  • Outdoors: Transplant seedlings when nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C).
Plant Strawflowers at the Right Time

3. Care for Strawflowers as They Grow

Care at the right time will ensure tall stems, more blooms, and happier plants.

  • Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Watering: Somewhat drought tolerant once established. Water thoroughly at the root zone, then allow the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of soil to dry before watering again. Avoid soggy roots.
  • Fertilizing: If desired, occasionally use a fertilizer formulated for flowers during the growing season to keep the strawflowers blooming.
  • Pinching/Pruning: When the main stem is 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) tall, pinch or cut back to encourage branching. Learn more about how to pinch flowers in this guide.
  • Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to promote more flowering.
Keep strawflowers deadheaded to encourage blooms

Growing Strawflowers in Pots and Containers

  • Variety Choice: Dwarf or compact types are easiest for pots, though taller types can be grown if staked.
  • Container Size: A pot at least 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) in diameter is ideal for dwarf varieties. Make sure it has good drainage.
  • Soil Mix: Use a well-draining potting mix with some compost.
  • Sunlight & Watering: Place containers in an area with 6+ hours of direct sun. Water thoroughly, then let the top inch (2.5 cm) or two (5 cm) of soil dry before watering again.
  • Fertilizer: Feed container plants with a fertilizer formulated for flowers every 4–6 weeks.

If you would like more information about gardening in containers, please see my container gardening resources here.

Growing Strawflowers in Containers

4. Harvest Strawflowers at the Right Time

Everlasting flowers are perfect for both fresh and dried arrangements—that’s why they’re called “Everlasting Flowers”! Just be sure to harvest them early since their bracts keep opening after cutting. Looking for more tips on creating stunning displays? Check out my flower arrangement guide.

Fresh Arrangements:

  • Harvest when 2-3 layers of bracts (petals) are open but before pollen is visible.
  • Wiggle the bloom; if it stays upright, it’s ready. If it flops, wait longer.
  • Harvest central stem just above 3-4 side shoots. Make additional cuts at the base of the stem.
  • Remove lower leaves before placing them in water.
  • Blooms will last 7-10 days in the vase. Does not need flower preservative.
Harvest Strawflowers at the Right Time

Drying:

  • Harvest when 2–3 layers of bracts are open, with no visible pollen.
  • Strip leaves and hang the flowers upside down in a warm, dry place with good airflow. A fan can speed drying. The bracts will continue to open during the drying process.
  • Flowers can be dried on the stem or removed.
Harvest Strawflowers at the Right Time (3)

5. Save Seeds from Everlasting Flowers to Plant Next Season

Once you master how to grow strawflowers, you can easily save seeds:

  • End-of-Season Blooms: Leave the largest, prettiest blooms on the strawflower plant.
  • Seed Formation: As the center dries, it elongates and forms dandelion-like parachutes.
  • Collect Seeds: Carefully lift the parachutes; small, dark seeds will be attached or in the base of the flower. Get tips on how to save seeds in this guide.
  • Storage: Keep seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant again. Learn more about how to store seeds in this guide.
Save Seeds from Everlasting Flowers to Plant Next Season

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Why are my strawflower buds not opening?
    They may lack sufficient sunlight or warmth. Ensure 6+ hours of direct sun and nighttime temperatures above 50°F (10°C).
  • How often should I water strawflowers?
    Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of soil dry out. In hot climates, more frequent watering may be needed, but avoid overwatering.
  • My strawflowers are floppy. What can I do?
    Taller varieties may need staking. Pinching early promotes stronger side stems. Also check sun exposure—partial shade and overwatering can weaken stems.
How to Grow Strawflowers (Everlasting Flowers)_ 5 Tips for Success
  • Do strawflowers have common pests or diseases?
    They’re relatively pest-free but may encounter aphids or spider mites if stressed. Good airflow and avoiding waterlogged soil help prevent fungal issues.
  • How can I maintain color when drying strawflowers?
    Harvest before bracts fully open and hang the blooms upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area to minimize fading.
  • Are strawflowers annuals or perennials?
    Generally grown as annuals, but can be short-lived perennials in frost-free zones.
  • Can I grow strawflowers in containers?
    Absolutely! Dwarf varieties are particularly suited for pots—just ensure the container has good drainage, quality soil, and plenty of sun.

Share the Strawflower Love

Strawflowers are a versatile and easy-to-grow addition to any garden, offering bright color and unique, papery blooms. Whether you’re planting them in the ground, in containers, or harvesting them for crafts, these heat-tolerant beauties won’t disappoint. If this post on 5 tips for growing strawflowers was helpful, share it with other flower enthusiasts and spread the joy of everlasting blooms!

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8 comments on "How to Grow Strawflowers (Everlasting Flowers): 5 Tips for Success"

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  1. Is the months above correct? It says to plant in the low desert from October to February? Is it supposed to say February Thru October since these are heat loving flowers?

    1. You plant seeds beginning in October and can plant through February so they are established before the heat. Here in the low desert they typically bloom from March through early September.

      1. Ok thanks I was hoping to
        Plant now but I will wait. Thanks for all the awesome info about growing in the low desert!

  2. Will the seeds grow true to the parent plant colour or will they cross with other colours if different varieties are planted side by side? If space between varieties is needed, how much space? Thanks for your article. We love strawflowers and grew a lot last year but I didn’t save seeds bc I thought they might cross and I want specific colours.

  3. Would love to plant these here in Gilbert, AZ. If I start the seeds indoors in August, then plant in the garden in October, won’t the frost kill them in the Winter? Are they supposed to make it through the winter to Spring?

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