How to Grow Everlasting Flower: The Ultimate Guide

Everlasting flowers, also known as strawflowers or paper flowers, are a delightful addition to any garden. Their vibrant colors and ability to retain their beauty for months after drying make them ideal for crafting, bouquets, and adding a touch of whimsy to your home decor. If you’re looking to add a touch of longevity to your floral arrangements, learning how to grow everlasting flowers is a rewarding endeavor.

Choosing the Right Everlasting Flower Varieties

The first step in your journey to grow everlasting flowers is selecting the right varieties. There are numerous options available, each with its own unique characteristics and charm.
Popular Everlasting Flower Varieties:

• Strawflower (Xerochrysum bracteatum): This classic everlasting flower comes in a wide range of vibrant colors, from deep reds and yellows to soft pinks and whites. They are relatively easy to grow and produce large, daisy-like blooms.
• Paper Daisy (Craspedia globosa): These cheerful flowers resemble tiny yellow pom-poms and are perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to arrangements. They are also known for their long-lasting qualities.
• Statice (Limonium sinuatum): Statice flowers are available in a variety of colors and have a unique, papery texture. They are excellent for drying and adding a touch of elegance to bouquets.
• Billy Buttons (Craspedia globosa): These cheerful flowers resemble tiny yellow pom-poms and are perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to arrangements. They are also known for their long-lasting qualities.
• Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena globosa): Globe amaranth flowers are known for their spherical, colorful blooms. They are relatively easy to grow and come in a range of colors, including purple, pink, and white.

Preparing the Soil and Location

Everlasting flowers thrive in well-drained soil and a sunny location. Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare your garden bed:
1. Choose a sunny spot: Everlasting flowers need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to flourish.
2. Prepare the soil: Work the soil to a depth of 12 inches to ensure good drainage.
3. Amend the soil: If your soil is heavy clay, add compost or peat moss to improve drainage and aeration.
4. Test the soil pH: Everlasting flowers prefer a slightly acidic soil pH (6.0-6.5). You can adjust the pH with lime or sulfur if needed.

Planting Everlasting Flower Seeds or Seedlings

You can start everlasting flowers from seeds or seedlings. Both methods have their advantages:
From Seed:

• Timing: Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
• Planting Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep and space them 6-12 inches apart.
• Germination: Everlasting flower seeds typically germinate in 10-14 days.

From Seedlings:

• Timing: Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost when they have developed a strong root system.
• Spacing: Space seedlings 12-18 inches apart, depending on the variety.
• Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help the seedlings establish themselves.

Caring for Your Everlasting Flowers

Once your everlasting flowers are planted, providing them with proper care will ensure they thrive and produce beautiful blooms.
Watering:

• Regular Watering: Water your everlasting flowers regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Avoid Overwatering: Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.

Fertilizing:

• Balanced Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4-6 weeks to promote healthy growth and flowering.
• Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Deadheading:

• Encourage Continued Blooming: Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage the plant to produce more blooms.

Pest and Disease Control:

• Monitor for Pests: Check your plants regularly for pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
• Use Organic Control Methods: If pests are present, use organic control methods such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Harvesting and Drying Your Everlasting Flowers

Harvesting your everlasting flowers at the peak of their beauty is essential for preserving their vibrant colors.
Timing:

• Harvest When Fully Open: Harvest flowers when they are fully open and the petals are firm.
• Morning Harvest: Harvest flowers in the morning after the dew has dried.

Drying:

• Air Drying: Hang flowers upside down in a cool, dry, dark place with good air circulation.
• Pressing: Press flowers between sheets of paper or cardboard to create flat, dried specimens.
• Microwave Drying: Microwave drying is a faster method, but it can sometimes affect the color of the flowers.

Preserving Your Everlasting Flowers

Once your flowers are dried, you can use them in a variety of ways to enjoy their beauty for months to come.
Storage:

• Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Store dried flowers in a cool, dry place to prevent fading and damage.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause dried flowers to fade.

Crafting:

• Bouquets: Create beautiful, long-lasting bouquets with dried everlasting flowers.
• Wreaths: Use dried everlasting flowers to create stunning wreaths for your home.
• Decorative Arrangements: Dried everlasting flowers can be incorporated into decorative arrangements for tables, shelves, and mantles.

Everlasting Blooms: A Lasting Legacy

Growing everlasting flowers is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy their beauty for months after they have been harvested. From choosing the right varieties to providing proper care, each step in the process contributes to the creation of a lasting legacy of vibrant color and enduring beauty.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: How long do everlasting flowers last?
A: When properly dried and stored, everlasting flowers can last for several months or even years.
Q: Can I plant everlasting flower seeds in the fall?
A: It’s best to plant everlasting flower seeds in the spring after the last frost. Starting seeds in the fall may lead to poor germination due to cold temperatures.
Q: What are the best uses for everlasting flowers?
A: Everlasting flowers are perfect for creating dried flower arrangements, wreaths, bouquets, and adding a touch of whimsy to your home decor.
Q: Can I grow everlasting flowers in pots?
A: Yes, you can grow everlasting flowers in pots. Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and deep to allow for proper root development.