Six seeds to sow this Spring for dried flowers
We’ve been really enjoying experimenting with growing flowers for drying in the last few years. We love to get as much from all of our plants as we possibly can, enjoying them at all stages of growth, from seedling, through to seed head, and this principle runs true for our thoughts on cut flowers too!
Growing flowers for cutting is such a satisfying experience, especially ones that are grown from seed, and then make amazing bouquets later the same year. Even better, then, is if the bouquet is made of flowers that continue to look good once they’ve dried out!
Here are some of our favourite flowers that you can grow from seed this Spring, cut for the vase later in the year, and then dry to keep looking great for even longer…
Strawflowers
Also called “paper daisy” and going by the botanical name of Xerochrysum bracteatum, strawflowers look almost papery even before they’re dried. They come in a range of glorious pinks, peaches, purples and white flowers, and are incredibly easy to grow and to dry.
Once dried, they’ll survive for a few years, so this is a really cost-effective way of adding some floral beauty for a long time!
Seeds can be sown undercover in early Spring, or direct in late Spring, once all chance of frosts have passed. Check out our guide to seed sowing for more info on how to sow.
Strawflowers need a position in full sun, with good drainage. They’ll flower from summer through to autumn and can be harvested once the flower has opened.
Super easy to dry, just hang the blooms upside down in a cool, dark and well-ventilated position (garages or sheds both tend to be good for this). They take around three weeks to full dry out – once the stem feels papery, then they’re finished.
2. Statice
Also known by the rather gorgeous names of ‘sea lavender’ and ‘marsh rosemary,’ Statice is a real classic plant for cut flower arrangements and drying. It’s a regular in florist’s bouquets as it looks fresh and happy for such a long time after it’s cut. It dries easily too, often slowly drying in the vase over time, or (more professionally!) tied upside down in small bunches and left in a dark, cool, well-ventilated area.
Seeds are best sown under cover in Spring, potted on, and then hardened off before planting outside around May time, once all frosts have passed. They do best in full sun and well-drained soil. Statice will flower for months on end, from July until around October. Keep cutting and more will come. Truly one of the most bang-for-your-buck plants we know!
3. Nigella seed pods
Another favourite easy-grow seed, once you’ve sown Nigella damascena in your garden, you’ll find seedlings popping up every year and you won’t need to sow it ever again!
A slightly bizarre looking flower, Nigella comes in shades of white, blue and purple. The central flower head is surrounded by feathery foliage and has long green stamens in the centre, giving the plant an almost under-the-sea vibe… But we especially love the seed pods, which swell up to a large oval and dry in a pale green, looking great as contrast to petals in dried flower arrangements.
As a hardy annual, Nigella are super easy to sow, and can be grown directly where they are to grow. They need a sunny spot, but other than that are completely easy going. Allow the seeds to develop on the plant, and cut once they are fully formed.
4. Consolida
(Larkspur)
Consolida, commonly known as Larkspur, are annual delphiniums, grown for their long-lasting flowers, which dry especially well, and are often used as petal confetti. Larkspurs come in different shades of pinks, purples and blues and are relatively easy to grow from seed, as long as they’re well-protected from slugs. (See our guide to protecting plants against snails and slugs for more info.)
Sow seeds in Spring and transplant once the last frosts have passed. Plants need a position in full sun and moist but well-drained soil to flower to their full potential. Plants may need staking, unless grown in a protected spot. See our guide to staking plants for more.
When dried, Larkspur are often used for individual petals, but the whole flower spike also looks striking in bouquets. As with most flowers, the easiest way to dry them is to cut the entire stem and hang bunches upside down in a cool, well-ventilated, dry area. They take around a fortnight to dry out.
5. Drumstick scabious
Another one that we grow for its incredible seed-head, drumstick scabious (botanical name Scabious stellata ‘Sternkugel’) has fairly inconspicuous white flowers, that turn to a rather dramatic-looking seedhead.
Scabious are one of the very easiest flowers to grow from seed, and rarely have any issues germinating. You can sow them under cover in early Spring, or straight in their final location outside once the last frosts have passed (usually around May). They tend to self-seed when happy, so once sown, you may well find new seedlings popping up close by in following years.
You can leave the plants in the ground for the seedhead to develop, and cut once it has. They dry easily, again, best hanging upside down, though we’ve found they tend to dry out quite happily in any position once the seedhead has formed (even in jugs of water!)
6. Craspedia globosa
The easily recognisable cheerful “Billy Buttons” are one of the most distinctive dried flowers. Their pom pom yellow heads dry easily and retain that bright zing of yellow, making them incredibly popular in dried bouquets.
Though they’re a perennial, they tend to be grown as annuals in the UK as they can’t survive freezing temperatures in the ground. Grow from seed in early Spring, sowing in March or April under cover. Seedlings can be hardened off and placed outside once the last frosts have passed.
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and this is an easy plant to grow, needing little attention.
To dry, as ever, cut to the base of the stem and hang a bunch upside down in a well ventilated, cool place. They dry quickly, often within a week if there is a draught. This is one of the longest-lasting dried flowers we know. Once dried, they’ll look good for a year or more.
