If you’re eager to add enduring beauty to your garden, follow our comprehensive guide on how to grow everlasting daisies from seed. Learn the correct ways to sow everlasting daisy seeds, ideal growing conditions, when and how to transplant seedlings, as well as harvesting and drying the blooms.
What are Everlasting Daisies
Before learning how to grow everlasting daisies from seeds, let’s dive into learning more about these beautiful Australian native flowers.
Everlasting daisies, also known as strawflowers, are a botanical marvel that adds a touch of timeless beauty to gardens around the world. These resilient flowers, scientifically classified as Helichrysum bracteatum, are renowned for their papery petals that retain their vibrant colours long after traditional blooms have withered away.
Originating from Australia, everlasting daisies have a rich history dating back centuries. Indigenous Australians utilised these flowers for various medicinal and ceremonial purposes, appreciating their ability to withstand the harsh climates of the continent.
In more recent times, everlasting daisies have become a global favorite among gardeners seeking a touch of enduring elegance. These hardy flowers are not only visually stunning but also remarkably easy to cultivate.
For those looking to embark on a journey of floral cultivation, learning how to grow everlasting daisies from seed is a rewarding and straightforward process. With the right soil, sunlight, and care, anyone can enjoy the perpetual charm of everlasting daisies gracing their garden.
How to Grow Everlasting Daisies from Seed
Selecting the Right Seeds
Before embarking on your gardening journey and learning how to grow everlasting daisies from seed, it’s crucial to start with high-quality seeds. Look for reputable seed suppliers or nurseries. Ensure that the seeds are fresh, as the viability of seeds diminishes with time.
Additionally, consider choosing a variety that suits your garden’s aesthetic, as everlasting daisies come in a range of colours, including white, pink, yellow, and orange.
Ideal Growing Conditions For Everlasting Daisies
Everlasting daisies thrive in well-draining soil and full sunlight. Choose a location in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
The soil should be loose and well-draining to prevent waterlogged roots, as these flowers are susceptible to root rot.
Planting Seeds
- Timing: Sow everlasting daisy seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. This allows the plants to establish themselves before being transplanted outdoors.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots filled with a seed starting mix. Ensure that the containers have drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
- Sowing: Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly press them down. Avoid covering them with too much soil, as everlasting daisy seeds require light to germinate.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Using a spray bottle or a gentle watering can help prevent displacing the seeds.
- Germination: Place the containers in a warm location or use a heat mat to facilitate germination. Germination typically takes 10-14 days.
Transplanting Seedlings
Once the seedlings have grown large enough and the risk of frost has passed, it’s time to transplant them into your garden.
- Spacing: Plant everlasting daisy seedlings at least 30-45 cm apart to allow for proper air circulation.
- Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil in your garden is well-draining and amend it with organic matter if needed.
- Hardening Off: Before transplanting, gradually expose the seedlings to outdoor conditions over a period of 7-10 days. This process, known as hardening off, helps the plants acclimate to the change in environment.
Caring for Everlasting Daisies
- Watering: While everlasting daisies are drought-tolerant once established, they benefit from regular watering during dry spells.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
- Fertilising: Feed the plants with a balanced, all-purpose fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
What to do with Everlasting Daisies Once in Bloom
Once your garden is adorned with the vibrant hues of everlasting daisies, the joy doesn’t end when the blooms reach their peak. Harvesting these everlasting beauties is a simple yet rewarding process.
Choose a sunny morning to pick the flowers when they are fully open but before they start to fade. Using sharp scissors or pruning shears, cut the stems just below the blooms. Handle the delicate petals with care to preserve their papery texture.
Once harvested, the possibilities are endless. Create stunning everlasting bouquets by combining different colors and sizes, or use them to add a touch of timeless charm to wreaths and dried arrangements.
Everlasting daisies are not just for the garden; they make delightful additions to handmade crafts and decor like these dried flower Christmas baubles or wreath, bringing a piece of the outdoors into your home that will last for seasons to come.
Whether you’re preserving memories in a scrapbook or enhancing your living space with a touch of floral elegance, the versatility of everlasting daisies makes them a delightful addition to any creative project.
Harvesting and Drying Everlasting Daisies
One of the unique qualities of everlasting daisies is their ability to retain their beauty even after drying. To harvest them for everlasting bouquets or crafts:
- Timing: Harvest the flowers when they are fully open but before they begin to fade.
- Hang drying: Bundle the flowers and hang them upside down in a warm, dark, and well-ventilated space. This process usually takes 2-3 weeks.
- Flower Press: Pick the flowers and layer them in a flower press to flatten and preserve them. This process usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Growing everlasting daisies from seed is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy the beauty of these flowers from germination to everlasting bouquets. By providing the right growing conditions and care, you’ll soon have a garden adorned with these charming, resilient blooms.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a novice, the process of cultivating everlasting daisies is a delightful journey that brings a touch of everlasting beauty to your outdoor space.
