Detailed Guide to Growing Strawflowers: Methods and Precautions

Strawflower Cultivation Methods: How to Grow Strawflowers

The petals of the strawflower become modified in texture due to their silica content and have a metallic sheen; after drying, the flower color remains unchanged for a long time. Strawflowers open on sunny days and close on rainy days and at night. Because of this habit, just like a partner who likes to protect their other half and always loves to protect their beloved, its flower meaning is: eternal memory. Below, Huamu China Network introduces the cultivation methods for strawflowers:

Strawflower Cultivation Methods

I. Propagation Methods for Strawflowers

1. Propagation by Seed

Strawflowers are propagated by seed. The suitable germination temperature is 15-20°C, and seedlings emerge in about 7 days. In warm regions, autumn sowing is possible. Generally, sow in March-April in a greenhouse. When there are 3-4 true leaves, prick out seedlings at 6-8 cm spacing; when there are 7-8 true leaves, plant out at a spacing of 30-40 cm. Pinching back can promote branching. From sowing to flowering takes about 3 months. When collecting seeds, try to choose flower heads with deep color and pick them by hand in the early morning to prevent the seeds from scattering.

2. Propagation by Cuttings

Usually combined with pinching back, the thick, pest- and disease-free top shoots that are removed are used as cuttings, directly using the top shoots for cuttings. If low temperatures are encountered after cuttings are taken, the main measure for keeping warm is to wrap the flower pot or container used for cuttings with plastic film; if the temperature is too high after cuttings are taken, the main measure for cooling is to shade the cuttings, blocking out 50-80% of sunlight, and at the same time misting the cuttings.

II. Substrate Required for Strawflower Growth

For potting, one of the following substrates can be used: garden soil : cinder = 3:1; or garden soil : medium-coarse river sand : sawdust (mushroom residue) = 4:1:2; or one of paddy soil, pond mud, or leaf mold. Or peat : perlite : ceramsite = 2 parts : 2 parts : 1 part; garden soil : cinder = 3 parts : 1 part; peat : cinder : ceramsite = 2 parts : 2 parts : 1 part; sawdust : vermiculite : medium-coarse river sand = 2 parts : 2 parts : 1 part

III. Suitable Temperature for Strawflower Growth

Strawflowers prefer a warm climate and dislike extreme heat. When summer temperatures rise above 34°C, growth is noticeably poor; they are not tolerant of frost and cold, and when winter temperatures drop below 4°C, they enter dormancy or die. The most suitable growth temperature is 15-25°C.

IV. Suitable Light for Strawflower Growth

When temperatures are relatively high (daytime temperature above 25°C), if it is placed in direct sunlight for care, the leaves will noticeably become smaller, the internodes of the branches will shorten, the lower leaves will yellow and drop, and growth will be very slow or it will enter a semi-dormant state. In winter, since the temperature is not very high, it should be given direct sunlight to facilitate photosynthesis and the formation of flower buds, flowering, and seed setting.

V. How to Water Strawflowers

For outdoor care, water every 3-5 days; on sunny days or during high temperatures, the interval should be shorter, and on rainy days or during low temperatures, the interval should be longer or no watering at all. For indoor care, water every 4-7 days; on sunny days or during high temperatures, the interval should be shorter, and on rainy days or during low temperatures, the interval should be longer or no watering at all. Try to schedule watering in the early morning when temperatures are lower, and keep the leaves dry at night.

VI. How to Fertilize Strawflowers

During the growing period, fertilize once every half month; during the flowering period, apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer twice more, which is beneficial for the color and firmness of the involucre. However, the amount of nitrogen fertilizer should be controlled, otherwise although there will be many flowers, the flower color will not be vivid.

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