Another beautiful lacy filler for fresh bouquets...plus this one will amaze your children as it changes color when placed in a water/dye solution, and is spectacular as a dried flower for holiday decor! Use in your landscape for height at the back of a border, and especially to invite in the bees, birds, and butterflies!
BASIC FEATURES
Bloom Season: Late Spring through Fall
Days to Flowering: 65 - 75 days
Photoperiod Classification: Long-Day
Deadhead: Yes, to encourage rebloom and delay seed development
Staking: Recommended
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, syrphid flies, and parasitic wasps)
Ignored By: Deer and Rabbits