Grow Stunning Strawflowers from Free Seeds in March
Introduction
Spring is here, and it’s time to start thinking about growing your own beautiful cut flowers. This year, you can get free flower seeds from the Free Seeds campaign. One of the varieties included in this year’s seed packet is the gorgeous strawflower, also known as Xerochrysum.
All About Strawflowers
Strawflowers are native to Australia and thrive in well-drained soil and full sun. They produce stunning papery petals that make lovely cut flowers, both fresh and dried. They’re also a great addition to any garden border and attract bees.
How to Grow Strawflowers from Seed
Materials:
- Strawflower seeds
- Module trays or seed trays
- Sieved compost
- Vermiculite (optional)
- Watering tray
Steps:
- Prepare your trays: Fill your module trays or seed trays with sieved compost. Tap the trays on a bench to remove any air pockets and distribute the compost evenly.
- Sow the seeds: Sow two to three strawflower seeds per cell. Cover them lightly with a layer of sieved vermiculite or compost, but don’t cover them entirely.
- Water: Place the seed trays in a tray of water so the compost is moistened from underneath. You can also cover the trays with a plastic lid to keep the compost from drying out.
- Temperature: Keep the seeds at a temperature between 15-20°C for best germination results.
- Germination: The seeds should germinate within 14-21 days.
Tips for Growing Strawflowers
- Pinch out the leading stem: When the plants are about 25cm high, pinch out the leading stem to encourage more flowering stems and produce a bushier plant.
- Support plants: If you have a windy garden, you may need to support individual plants with a cane.
- Thin seedlings: Once the seedlings appear, thin them out by removing the weakest seedlings and leaving the strongest plant to grow on.
- Harden off: Before planting your seedlings outdoors, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
- Plant outdoors: Plant your strawflowers outdoors after your last frost date.
Other Free Seeds and Growing Tips
In addition to strawflowers, the Free Seeds campaign also offers a variety of other flower seeds. You can find details of which seeds you can receive and when on the campaign website.
The website also provides growing advice for all 12 packs of free seeds, including tips on sowing, watering, and caring for your plants.
Growing Echium from Seed
In addition to strawflowers, I’m also growing Echium ‘Blue Bedder’ from seed this year. Echiums are beautiful plants with striking blue flowers that are attractive to pollinators.
I sowed my Echium seeds in a tray of compost and was delighted when they germinated in just a week! Once the seedlings had a set of true leaves, I pricked them out into individual pots and left them to grow on in a cooler spot in my polytunnel.
I’ll keep you updated on the progress of my Echium plants and my other free seed varieties. I can’t wait to see them all in bloom!
