Mixed pink, yellow and white Helichrysum strawflowers in a South African cutting garden

Helichrysum Grow Guide for South African Conditions

Helichrysum, or strawflower, is a rewarding warm-season flower for South African cutting gardens. Its papery bracts hold their shape and colour after drying, while the open flowers also bring bees and butterflies into sunny beds.

This guide covers the tall cut-flower forms sold by Gardening.co.za. The accepted botanical name is Xerochrysum bracteatum, although Helichrysum bracteatum remains familiar in seed catalogues and among gardeners.

Quick Grow Facts

Plant type: Warm-season annual cut and dried flower.
Botanical name: Xerochrysum bracteatum, syn. Helichrysum bracteatum.
Best sowing time: Spring to early summer after frost; start earlier in protected trays where needed.
Position: Full sun in free-draining soil.
Sow depth: Surface sow or cover very lightly because light supports germination.
Germination: Commonly about 7-10 days in warm, bright and evenly moist conditions.
Spacing: About 25-30 cm for airflow and usable cutting stems.
Height: The tall types in this range are generally around 90-100 cm and may need support.

When To Sow In South Africa

Frost-prone inland gardens

On the Highveld and in colder parts of the Free State, North West, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape, sow in protected trays during late winter or early spring. Plant out only after frost risk has passed. Cold soil checks young plants, while established strawflowers respond well to bright summer light.

Winter-rainfall regions

In the Western Cape, start protected seed as the wettest winter weather begins to ease, or sow in spring when soil is workable and warming. Choose a sunny, free-draining bed. Raised rows are useful in heavier soil, and young plants need shelter from strong coastal wind while they establish.

Warm coastal and humid regions

Along the KwaZulu-Natal and warmer Eastern Cape coasts, prioritise airflow and drainage. Sow in spring, use full morning sun and avoid dense plantings that remain wet overnight. Water at soil level where possible to keep foliage and flower heads drier.

Hot, dry and Lowveld regions

In Limpopo, the Lowveld and Northern Cape, sow early enough for roots to establish before severe heat and wind. Full sun develops strong flowering stems, but young plants still need regular deep watering. Mulch established rows and use light support in exposed sites.

How To Germinate Helichrysum Seed

Fill clean trays or cells with fine, free-draining seedling mix.
Scatter seed thinly, press it into the surface and leave uncovered or apply only the lightest dusting of fine mix.
Keep the surface evenly moist with a fine mist or bottom watering. Do not flood or bury the seed.
Place the tray in warm, bright conditions and provide airflow once seedlings emerge.
Thin early, pot on carefully and harden seedlings off before planting into full sun.

Helichrysum can also be direct-sown into a prepared, weed-free bed after frost, but trays give better control where spring weather is erratic or the seed is limited.

Planting And Ongoing Care

Plant into ordinary garden soil that drains freely. Rich feeding is not essential and excessive nitrogen can encourage soft, leafy growth at the expense of firm cutting stems. Compost can improve structure, but avoid fresh manure and waterlogged ground.

Water young plants consistently, then water deeply as the surface begins to dry.
Install netting or discreet stakes early for tall cultivars in windy gardens.
Cut flowers regularly or deadhead spent heads to keep plants productive.
For fresh use, harvest when the outer bracts have opened but the centre is still tight.
For drying, cut partly opened blooms with long stems, remove lower leaves and hang small bunches upside down in a dry, dark and airy place.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Covering seed heavily: Fine seed needs a shallow sowing and access to light.
Planting into shade: Weak light produces softer growth and fewer strong stems.
Waterlogging: Strawflowers tolerate occasional dryness better than stagnant roots.
Overfeeding: Very rich soil can create lush growth that falls over.
Harvesting too late for drying: Fully open heads can continue opening and lose their best form after cutting.

Shop Helichrysum And Strawflower Seeds

Find more bouquet crops in our cut flower seed collection, or browse the wider flower seed collection.

Shop the story