How to Grow Statice

The ultimate dried flower, statice is an easy-to-grow annual (grows just one year) and is simple to dry for beautiful arrangements that last through fall and winter.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Compost Makers
• Fertilizers
• Garden Hoses
• Garden Spades
• Garden Trowels
• Plants
• Sand

1. Buy healthy, green plants with no signs of wilting or disease. Plants should be stocky, with plenty of leaves. It's actually a plus if they don't have any flowers on them - they'll divert their early energy into root development rather than flowering.

2. 

   Choose a site in full sun. Statice likes good drainage and deep, sandy loam, so consider working in a spadeful or two of sand. A slope, raised bed or other well-drained site is also a good choice.

3. 

   Plant outdoors in spring after all danger of frost has passed. Space 8 to 10 inches apart.

4. Keep soil a little on the dry side. Statice likes it that way.

5. 

   Trim faded flowers or cut bouquets frequently to promote longer bloom.

6. Fertilize every four to six weeks, or work in a slow-release fertilizer (or plenty of compost) at planting time.

7. Tear out and discard plants after frost fells them in fall.

Tips & Warnings

• Available in blues, yellows, whites, pinks, reds, oranges and apricots, statice grows 1 to 3 feet tall, depending on the type.

• If drying statice, cut the flowers just after they open for best results and brightest, clearest colors.

• Statice comes in both perennial (comes back year after year) and annual (grows just one year) types. Read the label carefully so you know which type you're purchasing.