How to Grow Strawflowers: The Confessions of a Strawflower Addict

Grow beautiful, long-lasting strawflowers! Learn how to start seeds, plant, and care for these easy, colorful blooms in your garden or pots.

Confession time: For years, my garden used to be a respectable spread of petunias, impatiens, and pansies. Sure, they were pretty, but let’s be honest, a little predictable.

Then, I got into my cut flower gardening obsession, tested out some different blooms to grow, and met strawflowers. They burst with every color imaginable, invaded my seed packets, and bloomed their way into my heart (and every square inch of my sunny borders ever since).

They are easy-care, low-maintenance, and are so gorgeous to boot. And now, I’m a full-blown strawflower addict, and I’m here to share my obsession with you. Wait until you see how easy these pretty blooms are to grow!

Hi, I’m Stacy Ling — a trained Master Gardener gardening in Zone 6B for nearly 30 years. I’ve grown strawflowers in two very different gardens, tested countless varieties, and learned exactly what they love (and what they don’t). If you’re just getting started, I’ll show you everything you need to know so you can grow them with zero fuss—and maybe become a strawflower addict too.

If you’re just getting started with cut flower gardening, you might also enjoy my beginner-friendly guide: Cut Flower Gardening for Beginners: What to Grow & How to Start

It’s a great place to learn how strawflowers fit into a thriving cut-flower garden.

(Posts on stacyling.com may contain affiliate links. Click HERE for full disclosure.)

About Growing Strawflower

Strawflowers is a beloved garden favorite, prized for its incredible array of colors, drought tolerance, and long-lasting blooms. I mean, these flowers can even withstand a light frost so they are true workhorses in any flower garden.

Native to Australia, the strawflower (Xerochrysum bracteatum), also known as the everlasting or golden everlasting, is a member of the Asteraceae family. With a hardiness zone of 8-11, it grows about 1-3 feet. tall by 1-2 feet wide depending on the variety.

The strawflower performs best in full to partial sun in well-drained soil that is neutral or acidic. In most growing zones, strawflowers are not perennials and are grown as flowering annuals, blooming from about June through October, or whenever the first frost is.

• Genus: Xerochrysum
• Common Name: Strawflower
• Plant Type: Annual/Perennial
• Hardiness Zone: 8-11 (as perennial)
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy
• Height: 1-3 feet
• Width: 1-2 feet
• Flower Color: White, yellow, orange, pink, red
• Foliage Color: Green
• Bloom Time: Summer to frost

Why I Am Obsessed With Growing Strawflowers

After nearly thirty years of gardening across two different Zone 6B properties (and testing more cut flowers than I can count) strawflowers are one of the few plants that have completely stolen my heart. Here’s why they’ve become a staple (and an addiction!) in both my gardens:

Bright, Colorful Blooms That Never Quit

From fiery oranges and ruby reds to soft pinks, creamy peaches, and purples, strawflowers come in colors that rival a summer sunset. I’ve grown dozens of varieties over the years, and every season I find a new favorite.

They Handle My New Jersey Summer Heat Like Champs

In my former garden and my current, much larger garden, strawflowers have consistently thrived in full sun, heat waves, and dry spells. When other flowers begin to look a little tired, strawflowers still stand tall and cheerful.

Everlasting Beauty Indoors and Out

One of the reasons I fell so hard for strawflowers is how beautifully they dry. Their papery texture and bold colors hold for months, sometimes years. I’ve used them in wreaths, dried bouquets, and indoor arrangements, and they always look freshly picked. Learn more about flower drying methods here.

Pollinator-Friendly (and So Fun to Watch)

Bees and butterflies adore them. In every garden I’ve grown, strawflowers create a little pollinator party right in the sunny borders.

A Cut-Flower Gardener’s Dream

Strawflowers add incredible texture and dimension to fresh arrangements, and they’re absolute showstoppers in dried ones. Every year I grow them for cutting — and I always wish I had planted more.

Seriously Easy to Grow

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned gardener, strawflowers are one of the most forgiving flowers you can grow. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, and they’re remarkably low-maintenance.

Surprisingly Resilient in Cooler Temps

One thing I’ve learned from decades in Zone 6B: strawflowers don’t give up easily. They withstand light frost and keep blooming right up until a hard freeze finally tells them the season is over. Seriously, they are like the gift that keeps on giving.

How to Grow Strawflowers (A Simple, Foolproof Guide)

Quick Overview: Growing Strawflowers Step-by-Step

1. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before frost or direct sow outdoors after last frost date when soil has warmed.
2. Use in well-drained soil and needs full sun
3. Press seeds lightly (they need light to germinate)
4. Harden off seedlings before planting outside
5. Transplant 9–12″ apart
6. Water deeply once or twice a week
7. Pinch to promote branching
8. Harvest blooms continuously to encourage more flowers

How to Plant Strawflowers (From Seed to Bloom)

Planting strawflowers is easier than their vibrant blooms might suggest. If you’ve never grown a it before, here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.

How to Sow Strawflower Seeds

I’ve not found a strawflower plant at my local garden nurseries, so I start them from seed. You can start strawflower seed indoors before your last frost date or directly sow them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

And they couldn’t be easier to start from seed! .

Strawflower seeds are really easy to find. Shop your local nursery or look for high-quality growers online like Johnny’s Selected Seeds. The better quality seed you buy the higher the germination rate will be.

Direct Sowing Outdoors

In warm climates (zone 7+), sow seeds directly outdoors when soil temp reaches 65-70°F (18-21°C). In cooler climates (zone 6 and below), start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before last frost. Check your seed packet for specific indoor sowing instructions because they can vary.

Sow seeds by sprinkling the tiny seeds on a damp soil surface, press gently (they need light to germinate). Lightly cover with vermiculite.

Learn more about how to direct sow seeds outdoors here.

Direct Sowing Indoors

If sowing indoors, start seeds in cell trays or 3″ pots filled with moist seed starting soil. Cover them with a clear dome and place them on heat mats under grow lights.

I’ve found strawflower seeds to germinate quickly so you should see some sprouts within a few days. When they germinate, remove the cover and heat mats and set the lights about 4″ above seedlings.

Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about two weeks before planting outdoors. 

Then plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Space seedlings 9-12 inches apart depending on the variety. Amend heavy soils with compost or sandy grit for drainage.

As an aside, I start all of my strawflower seeds indoors under grow lights about 4-6 weeks before my last frost date.

How to Care for Strawflower

• Watering: Water deeply when the soil feels dry about an inch down. Strawflowers are drought-tolerant once established, but consistent watering promotes more blooming.
• Fertilizing: Light feeding with a balanced fertilizer. I like to use a slow-release fertilizer to help feed them throughout the growing season.
• Pinching: Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth after the first few set of true leaves. This will encourage more blooms.
• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms to encourage more flowering. You can cut blooms for drying at any stage of openness.
• Staking: Stake taller varieties for support so they don’t topple over. I love to use these grow-through support hoops.

Pro Tips

• Attract pollinators by planting with herbs like dill or fennel.
• For drying, hang stems upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks.

Common Pest and Disease Problems

Though known for their resilience, the easy-going strawflower can get hit with certain garden pest and disease problems. So keep a watchful eye for these potential troublemakers to maintain healthy, vibrant blooms throughout the season.

Thrips, aphids, slugs, and snails can be problematic at times. For aphids, a strong blast from a hose can knock them off. In severe cases of thrips and aphids, you can try using insecticidal soap but only use when pollinators are not active. To keep slug and snail damage at bay, an organic slug bait works pretty well.

Strawflowers can sometimes experience fungal diseases like botrytis blight, powdery mildew, and fungal leaf spots can all plague strawflowers, causing wilting, discolored leaves, and deformed flowers. With blight, there’s not much you can do except pull the plant and toss it in the trash. But in severe cases of powdery mildew, you can try using neem oil when pollinators are less active.

Aster yellows is a viral menace causes stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and the unfortunate transformation of flowers into green imposters. Spread by leafhoppers, this one unfortunately has no cure so remove them immediately from your garden when found.

In my zone 6b garden, I haven’t had any issues. This is partly why I am so obsessed with growing them!

Prevention and Control Tips

• Regularly remove and dispose of diseased plant material and unwanted weeds to deny pests and diseases a comfortable haven.
• Avoid overcrowding your straw flowers and ensure proper spacing to keep fungal diseases at bay.
• Water directly at the base of the plant to avoid dampening the leaves, a prime invitation for fungal growth.
• Ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies act as nature’s pest patrol, happily munching on aphids and other unwelcome guests. If you want to add ladybugs to your garden, I shared a guide about releasing ladybugs in your garden here.
• Insecticidal soap or neem oil are great organic alternatives to carcinogenic pesticides. Always read labels carefully and make sure it’s okay to use on strawflowers before use.
• Regularly monitor your strawflowers for any signs of trouble. Walk your gardens every day because early detection and swift action can prevent the spread of both pests and diseases.

I’ve been growing strawflowers for a few years in my own gardens and have found them to be fuss-free without issue if you treat them right.

To learn more read this article from The Univeristy of California IPM

Growing Strawflowers in Pots

Growing strawflowers in pots is a great way to add vibrant color and unique texture to patios, balconies, and other small spaces. Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter, ensuring it has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

Use a well-draining potting mix, preferably one that is sandy or loamy, and enhance drainage by adding perlite or coarse sand. Transplant or plant strawflower seeds or transplants about 9 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation.

Water the plants thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, being careful not to overwater since strawflowers are somewhat drought-tolerant. Place the pot in a full location where it will receive full sun for at least 6-8 hours a day. Feed strawflowers with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and maintain the plant’s appearance. In cooler climates, strawflowers grown as annuals will die back after the first frost.

Why Strawflower Makes a Great Cut Flower

With strawflowers, there is no such thing as faded blooms as they are the stars of long-lasting flower arrangements. They are one of my favorite cutting flowers to grow because they are easy going blooms that last a long time in both the gardens and a bouquet.

Straw flowers hold their intense hues and textural magic for weeks, even months. And there are lots of beautiful hues to grow that let you create monochromatic masterpieces or vibrant explosions of color. Mix and match to your heart’s content, or let a single shade tell its story.

But strawflowers aren’t just about color; their crinkled papery petals add a unique touch to any arrangement and your flower garden.

This low-maintenance plant is incredibly easy-going, needing only a fresh cut and a clean vase to stay radiant for weeks. It’s really amazing how long they last!

But the best part? These versatile beauties don’t discriminate. Enjoy their radiant sunshine fresh-cut in your vase, or embrace their everlasting charm dried. Because they hold their shape beautifully, whether adding summery vibes indoors or gracing winter arrangements with pops of color.

Instead of expensive storebought bouquets, growing your own strawflowers is easy and affordable. They are known to self-seed readily and thrive in warm sun, so you can have a constant supply of vibrant blooms for pennies.

But the fun doesn’t stop at the vase. Dried straw flowers lend their beauty to wreaths, garlands, potpourri, and even craft projects. There are so many ways to be creative with their blooms.

And finally, strawflowers are simple to grow and harvest for even the brownest of thumbs. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, and their papery blooms are super easy to spot and cut.

How to Harvest Strawflowers

To harvest strawflowers, start in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in, ensuring the flowers are at their freshest. The ideal time to harvest is when the flowers are partially open, as they will continue to open after being cut.

Use clean, sharp scissors or garden shears to make precise cuts without damaging the plants. Identify blooms that are just starting to open and cut the stems about 4-6 inches below the flower head, leaving enough stems for arranging or drying. Place the cut flowers in a bucket of water to keep them hydrated until you are ready to use or dry them.

Arranging Strawflowers in a Vase

For fresh use, strip the lower leaves from the stems and place the flowers in a vase with water. Give them a fresh cut and water every few days to keep the flowers going. And trust me when I tell you, they can last a LONG time! One of the reasons why I love them!

How to Dry Strawflowers

If you plan to dry the strawflowers, strip the lower leaves, bundle 8-10 stems together, and secure them with a rubber band or string. Hang the bundles upside down in a dry, dark, and well-ventilated area to preserve their color and shape. Allow the flowers to dry for about 2-3 weeks, until the stems are stiff and the flowers feel papery.

Once dried, store the strawflowers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, using airtight containers to prevent dust and moisture from affecting them. By following these steps, you can successfully harvest and preserve the vibrant beauty of strawflowers for fresh arrangements or long-lasting dried displays.

Beyond the Bloom: Creative Ways to Use Strawflowers

Strawflowers, with their vibrant hues and papery texture, aren’t just garden dwellers. They can be used outside flower beds too. Wait until you see these unexpected ways to utilize these everlasting charmers.

• Wreaths and Garlands: Weave dried strawflowers into rustic wreaths for your door (like this one) or create vibrant garlands to drape over mantels or stair railings. Their diverse colors and textures add a unique touch to any space.
• Dried Flower Arrangements: Craft everlasting arrangements for your coffee table or bookshelf. Combine strawflowers with other dried elements like pampas grass and statice for a natural, boho vibe.
• Wall Art: Frame a single strawflower bloom or create a stunning collage using different varieties and colors. This unique wall art adds a pop of color and texture to any room. Learn how to create DIY flower art here.
• Cards and Gift Wrapping: Embellish greeting cards or gift wrapping with single blooms or pressed petals. This personal touch adds a rustic charm to any gift.
• Potpourri and Sachets: Fill your home with sweet, floral scents by incorporating dried strawflowers into potpourri mixes or scented sachets. They’ll add a burst of color and fragrance to drawers and closets.
• Wedding Decor: Use strawflowers in bouquets, centerpieces, or even cake decorations for a rustic or boho wedding theme. Their vibrant colors and long-lasting nature make them ideal for wedding décor.
• Party Favors: Create small dried flower arrangements or potpourri pouches as unique and memorable party favors for guests.
• Table Decor: Add a touch of rustic elegance to your dinner table by incorporating strawflowers into place settings. Place single blooms on plates or weave them into napkins for a natural touch.
• Pressed Flower Art: Press and arrange dried strawflowers to create botanical portraits or whimsical landscapes. This is a fun and creative way to preserve their beauty.
• Fairy Garden Decor: Let your inner child loose and create miniature fairy gardens or whimsical terrariums using dried strawflowers. They add a touch of magic to any tiny green world.

My Favorite Strawflower Varieties

• King Size Red
• Bright Rose
• Silvery Rose
• Purple Red
• Vintage White
• King Size Salmon
• Apricot Peach Mix
• Monostrum Tall Mix

FAQs on Growing Strawflowers

What are the ideal growing conditions for strawflowers?

Strawflowers thrive in full sun and prefer well-drained, sandy soil. They are moderately drought-tolerant and do best in environments where they can receive plenty of sunlight throughout the day. These plants can be grown as annuals in most regions but may act as short-lived perennials in hardiness zones 8-11​ (UGA Cooperative Extension)​​ (NC Plant Toolbox)​.

How do I start strawflower seeds?

Strawflower seeds can be started indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow the seeds in a seed-starting mix and provide them with consistent moisture and light. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed​

When and how should I harvest strawflowers?

Strawflowers should be harvested when the outermost layer of bracts has opened, but while the center is still tightly closed. This ensures that the flowers will continue to open and look their best as they dry. After cutting, remove the lower leaves and hang the flowers upside down in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated area to dry for about 2-3 weeks​

For more detailed information, you can visit the NC State Extension, Iowa State University Extension, UGA Cooperative Extension​.

Final Thoughts About Growing Strawflower

Have you ever grown strawflowers before? If so, tell me your favorite variety — I’m always looking for new ones to try!

Strawflowers have become a full-blown obsession of mine, and it’s easy to understand why. After nearly 30 years of gardening in two very different gardens, they’ve proven to be one of the most reliable and rewarding blooms I grow. They thrive in full sun, love well-drained and sandy soil, and don’t mind heat or dry spells. In return, they give me vibrant, papery blooms from early summer straight through frost.

And while they’re gorgeous in the garden, they’re just as magical indoors. Strawflowers dry beautifully, holding their shape and color for months — sometimes years. Harvesting them at the right stage keeps those colors bright and perfect for wreaths, bouquets, crafts, or just letting them shine in a vase.

If you haven’t grown them yet, I truly hope you give them a try. They’re easy, low-maintenance, and bring so much joy both fresh and dried. And if you’re already a strawflower lover, welcome to the club — I completely understand the addiction!

If you’d like to explore more cut-flower gardening, here are a few guides you might enjoy:

• Cut Flower Gardening for Beginners
• How to Direct Sow Seeds Outdoors
• How to Start Seeds Indoors Without a Greenhouse
• How to Grow Zinnias
• How to Grow Snapdragons
• How to Grow Celosia
• How to Grow Cosmos
• How to Grow Calendula
• Growing Gomphrena in Your Cutting Garden

Have questions or want help getting started? Drop a comment below! I’m always happy to chat gardening with you. And if you know someone who would love growing strawflowers, feel free to share this post with them!

Have you ever grown strawflowers before? if so, what’s your favorite variety? Let’s chat more in the comments below!

Thank you so much for following along.

Enjoy a beautiful day! xo