COMING SOON! OUR 2025 CATALOG IS ARRIVING IN JANUARY!

We're getting ready for the new year!

We have been busy packing our favorite flower seeds and gearing up for another amazing year. Stay tuned for back in stock seeds and plants for 2025 plus over 75 new varieties!

Seed Packet

Basket Flower

Centaurea americana

Plant explorers first discovered this impressive native plant in 1851 during their treks West. With huge, feathery flowers that are 4 inches across, it makes a great addition to borders or meadow plantings, wherever its blooms and luminous, straw-colored woven buds can be showcased. Not only are they fragrant and attractive to pollinators, but they also make excellent cut flowers, whether fresh or dried.

SKU #S862

$3.25

Currently Unavailable

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Growing Companions

Snow on the Mountain

Zinnia 'Pop Art Golden & Red'

Mountain Mint - Virginia

Bee Balm - Wild Bergamot

Basket Flower - White

Details

Approximate Seeds Per Packet

Lifecycle

Annual

Annual Hardiness

Half Hardy Annual

Mature Size

3-4' h x 2-2.5' w

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

Soil

Regular, well-drained

Season

Summer

Color

Mauve and cream

Features

Great Cut Flower

Attracts Butterflies

Attracts Bees

Attracts Hummingbirds

SOWING INSTRUCTIONS

Depth:

1/4-1/2"

Sprout Time:

7-20 days

Seed To Bloom:

16 weeks

Starting Indoors:

Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before planting out. Keep at 55-70°F. Retain moisture by covering with vermiculite or a humidity dome until germination occurs.

Starting Outdoors:

Sow outdoors after last frost.

WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE

After all danger of frost has passed.

PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION

Native basket flowers are striking in groups in the mid to back border and in meadow gardens where they attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies. A wonderful cut flower with long strong stems and huge flowers. Provide good air circulation to keep foliage healthy.

Final Spacing:

1.5-2'

Water Requirements:

Medium Water Use

Watering Details:

Drought tolerant once established. 1" of water per week initially, then water during dry spells.

Soil pH:

Slightly acidic to neutral

Fertilizer:

Mix in about 1/2" of compost or an organic granular fertilizer in springtime.

Diseases & Pests:

Avoid disease by placing in a location that has good air circulation.

When to Cut for Bouquets:

Harvest when the flowers are just open.