Statice blooms are easy to grow, attract beneficial pollinators, and are known for their long-lasting and colorful blooms. If you live in a mild-winter area, it may even become a short-lived perennial. In addition, statice is on many florists’ lists of favorite filler flowers. In this blog, I’ll show you how to grow statice from seeds to flowers that can be cut and used. Let’s get started!.
Statice, also known as Limonium produces delicate paper-like flowers that add incredible texture and color to any garden. Though often grown as an annual, statice is technically a perennial and will continue blooming in mild climates. With its long-lasting blooms and easy care requirements, statice is one of my favorite flowers to grow from seed.
In this article, you’ll learn how to successfully grow statice from seed to harvest. I’ll share tips on when to plant, how to care for statice in the garden, and how to use the gorgeous blooms. Let’s get started!
When to Plant Statice Seeds
Statice can be sown directly in the garden or started indoors and transplanted. I prefer starting the seeds indoors, as this gives the plants a head start on growth.
If starting indoors, sow statice seeds 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Use a seed starting mix and sow the tiny seeds just 1/8” deep. Keep the soil moist and expect germination in 7-14 days at 70°F.
Once seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, harden them off for about a week before transplanting into the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Space plants 12-18” apart in full sun.
Statice can also be direct sown in early spring once soils have warmed. Sow seeds 1/4″ deep and 12-18” apart. Expect slower germination, around 2-3 weeks. Protect young seedlings from harsh weather and pests until established.
In mild winter climates, sow statice in late summer or fall for overwintering blooms.
How to Care for Statice Plants
Statice care is minimal once plants are established. Here are a few tips for healthy, productive plants:
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Sun: Grow statice in full sun (at least 6 hours direct sun per day).
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Soil: Rich, well-draining soil is ideal. Amend with compost if needed.
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Water: Give plants a deep watering once the top few inches of soil become dry. Avoid soggy soil.
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Fertilizer: Apply a balanced flower fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
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Pests: Watch for aphids and slugs. Remove by hand or use insecticidal soap.
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Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage continual flowering.
When and How to Harvest Statice
Once blooms are fully open, use pruners to cut statice stems near the base of the plant. For fuller plants, don’t harvest more than 1/3 of stems at once.
Early morning is the best time to cut statice, when plants have the most water pressure. Immediately place stems in clean water. Statice blooms will last 2-3 weeks in a vase.
To dry statice for everlasting arrangements:
- Gather stems into small bunches.
- Hang upside down in a warm, dry area.
- Once dried, statice flowers retain color and papery texture for months.
Using Statice Flowers
The delicate texture and long-lasting nature of statice make it a favorite for:
- Fresh cut flower bouquets
- Dried flower arrangements
- Wreaths and garlands
- Borders and garden beds
Statice adds movement and contrast when paired with bold or dense flowers. For arrangements, combine statice with garden roses, zinnias, lisianthus, daisies, and more.
How Long Does Statice Last?
In frost-free climates, statice will bloom spring through fall and will often persist year after year. It becomes somewhat woody and less productive after 2-3 years, at which point plants can be replaced.
In cold winter climates, statice grown as an annual will provide one season of flowering. Plant it among other annuals or vegetables and enjoy the low-maintenance blooms.
Final Thoughts on Growing Statice
Statice is one of the easiest flowers to grow from seed, even for beginner gardeners. A bit of patience is needed when starting seeds indoors, but plants require minimal care once established. The reward is months of unique, colorful blooms that can be used fresh or dried. I hope these tips help you successfully grow statice from seed and enjoy their beauty in your own garden!
When to Plant Statice Outside:
In cold-winter areas, transplant statice outside on your last frost date. Mild-winter areas often plant statice in the late fall or early spring.
Statice covered in frost on a cold January morning in Arizona.
Established statice plants are somewhat frost-tolerant.
A Little Bit About Statice Flowers:
The cream blooms are the flowers, and the peach petals are calyxes.
The botanical name for statice is Limonium sinuatum, and it is a popular plant in the plumbago family. Statice produces clusters of small, colorful flowers that bloom throughout the summer and fall months.
Statice first forms a large rosette, followed by several thick stems topped with the statice flowers and calyxes.
One of the most attractive features of statice is the long-lasting flowers. The blooms can last for several weeks or even months, depending on the conditions. Because of this, it’s often used for dried flower arrangements, cut flower arrangements, and even as a garden border plant.
Growing Statice from Seed, Seed starting for a Backyard Cutting Garden
FAQ
Is statice hard to grow from seed?
Is a statice plant a perennial or annual?
Can statice be direct sown?
When to start statice seeds indoors?
How long does it take for Statice seeds to germinate?
Providing bottom heat via the use of heat mats has been a game changer for seed starting. The seeds are placed on the heat mat until they are at least sixty percent germinated. The statice seeds germinate quite nicely with the bottom heat. Germination of the seeds usually occurs within twenty-one to thirty days.
How do you grow Statice?
But best of all, it is an annual that is easy to grow and maintain. Seeds for statice can be started indoors several weeks before the last frost of the year. Start seeds indoors in trays with potting soil. Spread the seed over the soil, and cover with a thin layer of vermiculite or peat.
How to grow Statice from seeds?
Growing statice from seeds is a straightforward process that can be done indoors or outdoors. Here are the steps to follow: Start with quality seeds: Purchase high-quality statice seeds from a reputable supplier. Choose the variety that suits your needs and preferences.
How do you plant Statice seeds?
Planting: Sow the seeds directly into the soil or start them indoors in small containers. In regions with short growing seasons, starting them indoors allows for an earlier start to the plant growth. When directly in the soil, the best time to plant statice seeds is in the spring, after the last frost date.