A flower arranger's dream! Such a beautiful lacy filler for fresh bouquets...Use in your landscape the same way, while also letting those dainty flowers serve as soft landing pads for the bees and butterflies that enjoy their nectar!
BASIC FEATURES
Bloom Season: Late Spring through Fall
Days to Flowering: 85 - 95 days
Photoperiod Classification: Long-Day
Deadhead: Yes, to encourage rebloom and delay seed development
Staking: Beneficial if plants are not pinched when young to control height and/or if plants are in an area exposed to wind
Height at Maturity: 36 - 50"
Recommended Spacing: 12"
STARTING SEEDS INDOORS
When to Sow: February - March and/or July - August
When to Harden Off: About 6 weeks after germination
When to Transplant to Garden: About 7 to 8 weeks after germination
STARTING SEEDS OUTDOORS
When to Direct Sow Seeds in Garden: March - May
FOR FLOWER ARRANGING
For maximum vase life (up to 10 days): Only pick stems in the morning, if at least 80% of the tiny florets on a single stem's compound flowerhead are open, and when the plant is not actively shedding pollen. Cut those stems at a 45-degree angle for maximum water uptake, and place them directly into fresh, lukewarm water with flower food, in a cool, draft-free area, out of direct sunlight. Trim away any wilted or browning leaves that develop, which can draw away moisture from the blossoms.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS TO YOUR GARDEN
Attracts and Supports: birds (goldfinches), butterflies (several species), bees, and many beneficial insects (lacewings, lady beetles, minute pirate bugs, hoverflies (syrphids), and parasitic wasps)
Ignored By: Deer and Rabbits