An easy to grow, ‘everlasting’ and ever-popular flowering annual forming a basal rosette of rich green foliage from which abundant sprays of apricot-pink, papery blooms emerge on wiry stems ripe for cut flower arrangements. Loved by pollinating insects, and incredibly long-lasting, a dried arrangement will hold its colour throughout the winter.
Growing instructions:
Sow under glass from February onto good quality seed compost and lightly cover with vermiculite. Germination takes approximately 2-3 weeks at 64-68°F (18-20°C). Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into pots or trays and harden off for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost, 25-30cm (10-12") apart. Pinch back any 'leggy' seedlings when planting. To dry flowers for winter displays, cut stems just before flowers are fully open and hang small bunches upside down in a cool ventilated area.
Eventual height:
0.6m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost