Profuse bloomers for fresh or dried arrangements.

Tall, well-branched plants produce dark wine (almost black) flowers 2–2 1/2" across. Fully open blooms reveal contrasting fiery-orange center. Also known as bracted strawflower.

HARVEST

Keep blooms harvested or deadheaded for optimal yields. Fresh or dried: Cut when 2-3 layers of petals have unfolded but before flowers fully open to reveal center. Note: Blooms that are very open, past optimal maturity, will close in the dark of night and on dark, overcast days. These blooms can appear as if they are at the at a good stage for cutting, though they are overmature. To avoid these misleading blooms, harvest on bright mornings or let your harvested blooms set in light for a few hours. Overmature blooms should open back up for identification and discard. Avoiding overmature blooms is especially important if being used for drying as blooms continue to open during the drying process. When dried, overmature blooms will shatter (fall apart) and appear discolored.

GROWING

Full Sun

Grows 36-40” inches tall.

Space 10-12 inches apart

NOTES

Appreciates some support.

Can be used fresh or dried.