Monster Fireball Red, Strawflower Seeds

Monster Fireball Red Strawflower Seed

Red-tipped petals transition dramatically toward golden centers
Large double blooms create fiery dried arrangements
Sturdy elongated stems support repeated cutting
Papery flowers keep their color after harvest

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Bracteantha bracteata

Days to maturity

80 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

250 Seeds

About Monster Fireball Red, Strawflower Seed, Strawflower Seed

The Monster series strawflowers are high yielding produces of fresh cut or dried arrangements. Blooms have deep red tips that turn yellow toward the center. The Fireball Red variety produces extra large double blooms with long and strong stems. Blooms reach 2–2 1/2" across.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/8"

Days to Germination

7–14 days

Germination Type

A - No Pretreatment

In-row plant spacing

12-18"

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

48 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

37,500

Color

Red

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Give Strawflower a full-sun site with well-drained soil and good air circulation. Remove perennial weeds, loosen compacted ground, and incorporate modest compost without making the bed overly rich. Prepare a fine, firm seedbed. No seed pretreatment is normally required; use fresh seed and follow the sowing conditions in the Planting guidance.

Planting

Strawflower may be direct-sown in early spring, and many types also perform well from fall or winter sowing. Keep the surface evenly moist until seedlings establish, taking care not to bury light-requiring seed. Indoor starts need bright light and cool conditions. Thin direct-sown seedlings after true leaves appear, or transplant carefully before roots become crowded.

Watering

Once established, strawflower prefers deep, infrequent watering. Let the surface dry between irrigations, supply extra moisture during extended heat, and avoid keeping the crown continuously wet.

Fertilizer

Feed strawflower lightly after establishment with a balanced fertilizer. Repeat only if flowering or growth weakens; rich nitrogen feeding causes soft stems and delayed blooms.

Harvesting

Strawflower is ready for cutting when blooms are well colored and nearly open. Use clean shears and long stems. For seed, leave selected heads until dry, then collect before shattering.

Tips

Deadhead strawflower frequently and trim weak or crowded stems to improve airflow. Leave a few late flowers to mature only when seed saving or natural reseeding is desired.

Pests & Diseases

Strawflower may develop Botrytis, powdery mildew, leaf spots, and stem rot. Space plants so papery blooms dry quickly and harvest before prolonged rain. Remove gray-molded heads rather than drying them indoors. Save seed only from clean, fully mature flowers and discard plants with dark basal lesions.

Strawflower can attract aphids, thrips, spider mites, Japanese beetles, and slugs. Scout flowers and new growth regularly, handpick when practical, and protect beneficial insects with targeted controls.