How to grow Strawflower (Helichrysum)

Xerochrysum bracteatum

🌸 Flower 🌱 Grown each year

Crisp, shiny "everlasting" daisies in bright colours — the best flower for drying. Pick and they keep for years.

At a glance: Sow mid February to mid March.

When to sow, plant and harvest

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Sow indoors

Plant

Flowers

Timed for a typical UK garden (last frost mid-April). The app uses your own town's frost dates.

Mid February – mid March · 8 weeks before the last spring frost
Sow Seeds Indoors
Sow in trays or modules of seed compost on a warm windowsill or in a propagator.
7–14 days after “Sow Seeds Indoors” · Late February – early March
Check Germination
Seedlings should appear in 7–14 days. Keep the soil moist. If sown outdoors, thin them to 30 cm apart once they have two true leaves.
14–21 days after “Check Germination” · Mid March
Pot On Seedlings
When seedlings have two true leaves, move each into its own small pot or module, holding them by a leaf, not the stem.
Mid April · 4 days after the last spring frost
Harden Off
Stand plants outside by day and bring them in at night for 7–10 days so they get used to outdoor conditions.
Late April – late May · 2 weeks after the last spring frost
Plant Out
Plant out 30 cm apart once frosts are over. Water in well.
14–21 days after “Plant Out” · Mid May
Pinch Out Tips (optional)
Pinch out the growing tip above the third or fourth pair of leaves for bushier plants with more flowers.
86–116 days after “Check Germination” · Late May – late June
First Flowers — Pick for Drying
Pick flowers just as they start to open (they open more as they dry) and hang them upside down. Take a photo for your journal!
Mid October – early November · around the first autumn frost
Clear or Collect Seed
When frost blackens the plants, pull them up for the compost heap. Leave a few seedheads first if you want to save seed.