Gwa - Orange/Gold Strawflower

A low growing soft-wooded perennial which can be grown as an annual as it flowers a few months after germinating. It is perfect for garden bedding situations and will often renew itself from seed every year if allowed to grow to maturity. This is a true breeding seed line in colours of gold and orange. A great general garden or pot plant and a brilliant cut flower, it also attracts butterflies and small moths that are its pollinators.

A good heat tolerant plant, it performs best in full sun but will still bloom well in light shade. Tip pruning the plants when young will help form more compact plants and give more flowers. While they are drought tolerant once established, dry soil conditions will tend to reduce  flowering so some extra water when they are budding up will help them reach their full potential. Dig in a suitable native plant fertiliser such as Bush Tucker during soil preparation. To preserve the flowers, pick while in bud and hang upside down until dry.

SEED SOWING – Sow in spring and autumn, can also be sown in summer if not too hot. If sowing direct where they are to grow, sprinkle lightly around and gently rake in. It is not critical to cover all the seed. Germination will be around 7 to 14 days. If sowing in containers, use a good quality seed raising mix and sprinkle seeds thinly over the soil surface. Give just a sprinkle of seed mix over them, as they should be very close to the surface of the soil, buried too deeply and they may die before they can emerge. Water with fine mist spray so as not to wash the seed away. Place in a warm shaded or semi-shaded position to avoid drying  and keep moist but not wet, and avoid drying out or waterlogging.