Basketflower Seeds
- HOW TO GROW
- FAST FACTS
- REVIEWS
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow in late fall or early spring, planting basket flower seeds thinly and 1/2" deep. In the spring, keep the soil moist after sowing; germination should occur within 7-10 days. To start indoors, plant three or four Centaurea Americana seeds 1/2" below the surface in individual peat pots. Keep the soil lightly moist and at a temperature of 65-70 degrees F until germination; thin to the strongest seedlings. Transplant the seedlings before they reach a height of 5".
Growing: Water seedlings occasionally until they become established. Mature plants prefer dry soil and handle drought well. Prune off developing tips to force the plant to produce more branches and fuller growth, as well as more flowers. This plant attracts butterflies and bees, in addition to providing nutritious seed for birds.
Harvesting: Basketflowers make excellent cut flowers, and have a sweet honey-like fragrance. They usually have a vase life of 4-5 days. When dried, the flowers retain their color and make a good addition to dried flower arrangements or potpourri. To dry the flowers, choose blossoms that have just begun blooming; pick them as soon as the dew has dried. Bundle the stems and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated, dark place for about 2 weeks.
Seed Saving: After the flower fades, the tiny oblong seeds will form. As soon as the seed can easily be removed, it is mature. Remove the dried seed heads and rub them lightly to separate the seed from the husk. Store basket flower seeds in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: American Star Thistle, American Napweed, Thornless Thistle, Sweet Sultan, Shaving Brush, American Basket-Flower, Powderpuff Thistle, Cardo del Valle
Latin Name: Centaurea americana
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Annual
USDA Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 29,900
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 48 Inches
Color: Pink
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Spring, Blooms Early Summer
Uses: Cut Flowers, Dried Flowers, Deer Resistant
Love natives!
Was glad to find native basket flower vs the non native variety. And as always, fast shipping!
DESCRIPTION
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow in late fall or early spring, planting basket flower seeds thinly and 1/2" deep. In the spring, keep the soil moist after sowing; germination should occur within 7-10 days. To start indoors, plant three or four Centaurea Americana seeds 1/2" below the surface in individual peat pots. Keep the soil lightly moist and at a temperature of 65-70 degrees F until germination; thin to the strongest seedlings. Transplant the seedlings before they reach a height of 5".
Growing: Water seedlings occasionally until they become established. Mature plants prefer dry soil and handle drought well. Prune off developing tips to force the plant to produce more branches and fuller growth, as well as more flowers. This plant attracts butterflies and bees, in addition to providing nutritious seed for birds.
Harvesting: Basketflowers make excellent cut flowers, and have a sweet honey-like fragrance. They usually have a vase life of 4-5 days. When dried, the flowers retain their color and make a good addition to dried flower arrangements or potpourri. To dry the flowers, choose blossoms that have just begun blooming; pick them as soon as the dew has dried. Bundle the stems and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated, dark place for about 2 weeks.
Seed Saving: After the flower fades, the tiny oblong seeds will form. As soon as the seed can easily be removed, it is mature. Remove the dried seed heads and rub them lightly to separate the seed from the husk. Store basket flower seeds in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: American Star Thistle, American Napweed, Thornless Thistle, Sweet Sultan, Shaving Brush, American Basket-Flower, Powderpuff Thistle, Cardo del Valle
Latin Name: Centaurea americana
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Annual
USDA Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 29,900
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 48 Inches
Color: Pink
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Spring, Blooms Early Summer
Uses: Cut Flowers, Dried Flowers, Deer Resistant
Reviews
Review
Love natives!
Was glad to find native basket flower vs the non native variety. And as always, fast shipping!