Strawflower (Dwarf) Seeds - Tom Thumb Mix
Estimated delivery between April 14 and April 17.
Strawflower (Dwarf) Seeds - Tom Thumb Mix
The Strawflower (Dwarf) Tom Thumb Mix is a charming and compact flower variety, perfect for small gardens, containers, and borders. Known for its vibrant, papery blooms, this mix offers a beautiful blend of colors, making it a favorite for both beginner and seasoned gardeners. Strawflowers are beloved for their ability to dry easily, retaining their bright hues for long-lasting beauty. The dwarf nature of this variety ensures a tidy, low-maintenance display, while adding a pop of color to any garden.
Key Benefits
- Vibrant and Long-Lasting Blooms: The mix includes a wide range of colorful, papery blooms that retain their beauty even when dried.
- Compact Size: Dwarf variety that stays small and is ideal for small spaces, pots, and containers.
- Low Maintenance: Easy to grow and care for, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Tolerates dry conditions, making it perfect for water-conscious gardeners.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to support garden biodiversity.
Variety Features
- Plant Characteristics: Compact plants with a height of around 12–18 inches, producing an abundance of colorful flowers.
- Flower Colors: A mix of vibrant hues, including pink, red, yellow, orange, and white.
- Growth Habit: Upright, bushy plants with strong stems that support the lightweight, papery blooms.
- Size: Dwarf variety that typically grows to 12–18 inches in height with a spread of 12–14 inches.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- Start in early spring for the best growing season, ensuring flowers bloom in summer to fall.
- Prefers warm temperatures, typically between 60°F–75°F (15°C–24°C) for optimal growth.
Planting Details
- Seed Depth: Plant seeds 1/8 inch deep in well-drained soil.
- Spacing: Space plants 8–10 inches apart to allow for healthy growth and air circulation.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, light to moderately rich soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate some light shade in warmer climates.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Water regularly but ensure the soil drains well to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
- Drought-tolerant once established, so water less frequently as plants mature.
Fertilization
- Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) once a month during the growing season for stronger growth and vibrant blooms.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to lush foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Weeding and Mulching
- Keep the soil weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients.
- Mulch around the base of plants to retain moisture and reduce weed growth, especially in dry conditions.
Deadheading
- For continuous blooms, remove spent flowers regularly. This encourages the plant to produce more blooms throughout the growing season.
Pest and Disease Control
- Strawflowers are generally resistant to pests and diseases but can occasionally suffer from aphids or powdery mildew.
- Use organic insecticidal soap for aphids and ensure good air circulation around plants to prevent fungal issues.
Harvesting
- Maturity: Flowers bloom in about 10–12 weeks from sowing, typically in mid-summer.
- Size: Flowers reach a diameter of 1–2 inches.
- Method: Cut the flowers when they are fully open but still have firm, papery petals for drying.
Storage
- Short-Term: Fresh flowers can last up to a week in a vase with regular water changes.
- Long-Term: Dried flowers can be kept for several months in a cool, dry place. Store them in airtight containers or hang them in bunches to preserve their color and shape.
Culinary Uses
- While not typically used in cooking, strawflowers make stunning decorations for edible flower arrangements, desserts, and drinks.
Conclusion
The Strawflower (Dwarf) Tom Thumb Mix is a delightful addition to any garden. With its vibrant colors, compact size, and long-lasting blooms, it's perfect for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance, water-wise flower. Whether grown in garden beds, containers, or as dried flowers, this variety brings beauty and color throughout the season and beyond.
Dharaseeds
Strawflower (Dwarf) Seeds - Tom Thumb Mix
Estimated delivery between April 14 and April 17.
Strawflower (Dwarf) Seeds - Tom Thumb Mix
The Strawflower (Dwarf) Tom Thumb Mix is a charming and compact flower variety, perfect for small gardens, containers, and borders. Known for its vibrant, papery blooms, this mix offers a beautiful blend of colors, making it a favorite for both beginner and seasoned gardeners. Strawflowers are beloved for their ability to dry easily, retaining their bright hues for long-lasting beauty. The dwarf nature of this variety ensures a tidy, low-maintenance display, while adding a pop of color to any garden.
Key Benefits
- Vibrant and Long-Lasting Blooms: The mix includes a wide range of colorful, papery blooms that retain their beauty even when dried.
- Compact Size: Dwarf variety that stays small and is ideal for small spaces, pots, and containers.
- Low Maintenance: Easy to grow and care for, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Tolerates dry conditions, making it perfect for water-conscious gardeners.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to support garden biodiversity.
Variety Features
- Plant Characteristics: Compact plants with a height of around 12–18 inches, producing an abundance of colorful flowers.
- Flower Colors: A mix of vibrant hues, including pink, red, yellow, orange, and white.
- Growth Habit: Upright, bushy plants with strong stems that support the lightweight, papery blooms.
- Size: Dwarf variety that typically grows to 12–18 inches in height with a spread of 12–14 inches.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- Start in early spring for the best growing season, ensuring flowers bloom in summer to fall.
- Prefers warm temperatures, typically between 60°F–75°F (15°C–24°C) for optimal growth.
Planting Details
- Seed Depth: Plant seeds 1/8 inch deep in well-drained soil.
- Spacing: Space plants 8–10 inches apart to allow for healthy growth and air circulation.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, light to moderately rich soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate some light shade in warmer climates.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Water regularly but ensure the soil drains well to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
- Drought-tolerant once established, so water less frequently as plants mature.
Fertilization
- Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) once a month during the growing season for stronger growth and vibrant blooms.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to lush foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Weeding and Mulching
- Keep the soil weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients.
- Mulch around the base of plants to retain moisture and reduce weed growth, especially in dry conditions.
Deadheading
- For continuous blooms, remove spent flowers regularly. This encourages the plant to produce more blooms throughout the growing season.
Pest and Disease Control
- Strawflowers are generally resistant to pests and diseases but can occasionally suffer from aphids or powdery mildew.
- Use organic insecticidal soap for aphids and ensure good air circulation around plants to prevent fungal issues.
Harvesting
- Maturity: Flowers bloom in about 10–12 weeks from sowing, typically in mid-summer.
- Size: Flowers reach a diameter of 1–2 inches.
- Method: Cut the flowers when they are fully open but still have firm, papery petals for drying.
Storage
- Short-Term: Fresh flowers can last up to a week in a vase with regular water changes.
- Long-Term: Dried flowers can be kept for several months in a cool, dry place. Store them in airtight containers or hang them in bunches to preserve their color and shape.
Culinary Uses
- While not typically used in cooking, strawflowers make stunning decorations for edible flower arrangements, desserts, and drinks.
Conclusion
The Strawflower (Dwarf) Tom Thumb Mix is a delightful addition to any garden. With its vibrant colors, compact size, and long-lasting blooms, it's perfect for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance, water-wise flower. Whether grown in garden beds, containers, or as dried flowers, this variety brings beauty and color throughout the season and beyond.
Non-GMO
Dharaseeds are Non-GMO and free from genetically modified organisms.
High Germination Rate
Tested for high viability to ensure successful sprouting.
Heirloom Variety
Open-pollinated seeds preserved for quality and authenticity.
Chemical-Free
Free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and additives.