Immortelle Seeds 5g

The strawflower, or golden everlasting (Xerochrysum bracteatum, once classed as Helichrysum bracteatum and known in Arabic as 'هليكريزم'), is the original paper daisy. Native to Australia, this sun-loving annual produces stiff, papery bracts in warm jewel tones that feel like crepe to the touch and keep their colour indefinitely once dried. It is the classic choice for everlasting bouquets and dried arrangements, and a cheerful, low-maintenance bedding plant in the garden.

Planting

Start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or sow direct in mid to late spring once the soil warms. Seeds need light to germinate, so press them onto the surface and do not cover; outdoor drills run about 1 cm deep with only a fine veil of soil. Keep the surface moist; germination follows in about 7-10 days at roughly 21-24 C. In Egypt's Delta and along the coast, sow in autumn (October-November) so plants establish over the mild winter and flower into spring; a January-February sowing also works. Thin first to about 15 cm, then to a final 23-30 cm in full sun.

Fertilizing

This is a low feeder that asks for little. Work a few centimetres of compost into the bed before planting, and on reasonably fertile soil no extra feed is needed. If you do feed, give a light dose of balanced all-purpose fertilizer early in the season, or apply compost tea or bone meal occasionally. Avoid heavy nitrogen, which pushes leaves at the expense of flowers.

Care

Give full sun, at least six hours daily, and sharp drainage. Keep young plants evenly moist, then water sparingly; mature plants are drought-tolerant and need water only in long dry spells. Avoid overwatering, the main cause of disease. The plant is generally trouble-free, with downy mildew the chief risk in wet conditions, so airflow and spacing matter. Tall types may need staking. For drying, cut when buds are just half-open, strip the leaves, and hang upside down in a warm, airy, shaded spot for about three weeks.