When to plant Strawflowers in Manchester

Xerochrysum bracteatum

Strawflower
Strawflower · Xerochrysum bracteatum

A half-hardy annual grown for long-lasting papery flowers. In the UK it does best started under cover, then planted out after frost risk has passed and grown on in a sunny, free-draining spot.

75 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Manchester · last frost ≈ 17 Apr

Sow indoors March, plant out May. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds Indoors

    3 Mar to 27 Mar

    Sow seeds in modules or trays around 3rd March - 27th March at a depth of . Keep them at and just moist until they germinate, then give them plenty of light so the seedlings do not stretch.

  2. 02

    Prick Out Seedlings

    24 Mar to 1 May Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots around 24th March - 1st May. Handle them by the leaves, not the stems, and keep them growing on in bright, frost-free conditions.

  3. 03

    Harden Off

    17 Apr to 15 May Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Acclimatise the young plants gradually around 17th April - 15th May. Put them outside for a few hours at first, then extend the time over about a week so they get used to sun and wind.

  4. 04

    Transplant Outdoors

    1 May to 15 May

    Plant out around 1st May - 15th May once frosts have passed and the soil has warmed. Space plants apart in full sun, and water in thoroughly straight away.

  5. 05

    Water and Feed

    31 May to 8 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeks

    Check plants from 31st May as they settle in, and keep the soil evenly moist in dry spells. A light liquid feed every 14 days helps maintain growth without making the plants soft and floppy.

  6. 06

    Deadheading & Maintenance

    31 May to 8 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 31st May onwards, deadhead fading flowers regularly by cutting stems back to a leaf joint. This stops the plant setting seed and keeps it flowering well until the autumn frosts.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Strawflower to consider

Swiss Giants

A well-known mixed strain with large, long-lasting flowers in a range of colours.

Silvery Rose

Soft pink flowers with a pale, papery sheen. Good for cutting and drying.

King Size Orange

Bold orange blooms on sturdy stems, useful for borders and cutting.

Strawflower guides by town

See how Strawflower timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.