Strawflower Berries & Fruits Mix

Yes, we highly recommend both for strawflowers! Pinching back is excellent because it causes the plant to branch out beautifully, become bushier, and produce many more flowers. Since mature plants reach a height of 80–100 cm, we strongly recommend providing them with support (such as a floral support net or stakes with strings) so they do not break in strong wind or heavy rain.

No, the strawflower (Helichrysum bracteatum) is grown exclusively as an annual in our climatic conditions. It has zero frost resistance, so the first strong autumn frosts will irrevocably end the plant's life. Moreover, the seeds do not successfully self-seed in the flowerbed, so it is necessary to start seedlings and sow new plants every spring.

Yes, growing them in spacious pots on a balcony or terrace is certainly possible. However, keep in mind that this specific variety grows up to one meter tall and will likely need support to prevent wind damage. Choose a deep and heavy container with good drainage and place it in the sunniest spot available. The substrate should be well-draining and rich in humus.

Once the seeds germinate and the first true leaves appear, it is good to reduce the room temperature to 18–21 °C. Even slightly lower temperatures (around 16 °C) will only benefit the seedlings, as they will not become leggy and will grow stronger. Remember to continue watering primarily from the bottom until the plants are large enough and have a strong root ball.

Definitely! Our variety is rated as ideal for beginners. If you follow the basic rules – sowing on the surface of the substrate in the light, careful bottom watering, and ensuring enough sun and warmth for germination – the plant will reward you with vigorous growth. After transplanting outdoors to the flowerbed, it is also very hardy and requires no complex care other than support.

This wonderful mix, created directly at Loukykvět, offers flowers in shades of wild and garden berries. You can look forward to raspberry, apricot, golden, and bubblegum pink shades. To achieve an even distribution of all colors in the flowerbed, we recommend sowing the entire packet of seeds at once.

Although Strawflowers are generally hardy and low-maintenance, they can occasionally face a few problems. Among pests, they are most commonly attacked by aphids, so we recommend checking the plants regularly and treating them if they appear. Among diseases, in overly humid environments or with poor air circulation, powdery mildew or grey mold (Botrytis cinerea) can occur. Watering directly at the roots and maintaining proper plant spacing helps to effectively prevent these fungal diseases.

Strawflowers are great sun lovers, so choose a fully sunny location for them in the garden. As for the soil, they prefer well-draining, humus-rich soil. Plant the seedlings outdoors only after the last frosts have passed, spacing them 15–30 cm apart. Once established in the flower bed, the plants tolerate occasional drought very well.

They are absolutely ideal for drying and also work great as fresh cut flowers for vases. If you want to dry them for winter, harvest them before the flowers fully open – this way, they will retain their beautiful shape and rich color. The plants will delight you with their vibrant, approx. 5 cm large flowers throughout the summer, as they usually bloom from June to September.

It is best to start strawflowers indoors, ideally 4 to 8 weeks before the last spring frosts (sow from March to June). They need warmth to germinate, ideally 20–24 °C, and will sprout in 7 to 14 days. Direct sowing outdoors into the flower bed is not recommended.

The packet contains a larger quantity of seeds intentionally. Lower germination rates are a natural species characteristic of strawflowers. You can easily solve this by sowing multiple seeds (we recommend 2 to 6) into each seed starter cell. This ensures that enough strong plants will germinate for your flower bed.

Sowing strawflowers has its specifics because the seeds need light to germinate. Follow these steps: 1. Sow the seeds directly on the surface of the substrate and do not bury them. 2. Lightly cover them with a layer of vermiculite, which will retain moisture but allow light to reach the seeds. 3. Put 2 to 6 seeds into each cell of the seed tray. 4. Until the seedlings grow, water only from below into the tray, otherwise you would wash the tiny seeds away.

Definitely! Strawflowers are very beneficial for any garden. Although the flowers are not aromatic and have no scent for us, their vibrant, colorful blooms act as a huge magnet for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. By planting strawflowers, you will actively support biodiversity in your immediate surroundings.

You don't need to worry at all in your garden. This strawflower variety is not toxic to people, cats, dogs, or other pets. At the same time, it is not edible, so it is absolutely unsuitable for consumption, food decoration, or salads. Simply put, it is here only for joy and to delight the eye.

The most likely cause of this problem is watering from above with a standard watering can. Strawflower seeds should be sown only on the surface and not covered with soil. If you water them from above, the stream of water will wash away or mechanically damage the tiny seeds or freshly sprouted delicate seedlings. Until the plants have a really strong root system, always water exclusively from below – place the seed tray in a bowl of water and let the substrate soak up the necessary moisture from the bottom.