Frosted Sulphur Strawflower

‘ Frosted Sulphur’ Strawflower- Seedling

• Botanical Name: Xerochrysum bracteatum ‘King Size Frosted Sulphur’
• Older Synonym: Helichrysum bracteatum
• Common Name: Strawflower / Everlasting Flower
• Plant Type: Tall flowering annual
• Flower Colour: Silvery white to creamy, pale sulphur-yellow
• Flower Form: Large, fully double, papery blooms
• Growth Habit: Upright and branching
• Mature Height: Approximately 80–100 cm
• Mature Spread: Approximately 30–45 cm
• Recommended Spacing: 30 cm
• Light Requirement: Full sun
• Primary Use: Fresh and dried cut flowers
• Pollinator Friendly: Yes
• ‘King Size Frosted Sulphur’ is an elegant tall strawflower producing large, double blooms in sophisticated shades of silvery white, soft cream and pale sulphur-yellow, finished with a warm golden centre.
• The papery flower bracts have a subtle frosted sheen and retain their shape and colour exceptionally well after drying. Strong, branching stems and abundant flower production make this variety an excellent choice for cutting gardens, floral arrangements and everlasting bouquets.

Growing in Kuwait

• For the longest flowering season, transplant Frosted Sulphur Strawflower seedlings from October through January.
  Provide:
• – Full sun during the cooler months
• – Light, fast-draining soil
• – Moderate and consistent watering during establishment
• – Good air circulation
• – Protection from strong wind
• – Light afternoon protection when temperatures rise sharply
• Space plants approximately 30 cm apart. Tall plants may require light staking or horizontal support netting, particularly when grown in exposed locations.
• Although strawflowers tolerate heat and short dry periods once established, this should not be interpreted as full tolerance of an exposed Kuwait summer. Extreme heat can reduce flower size, shorten stems and end production.
  Pinching and Plant Support
• When the plant reaches approximately 25–30 cm tall, pinch out the central growing tip just above a healthy pair of leaves.
  Pinching encourages:
• – More side branches
• – More flowering stems
• – A fuller plant
• – A larger total harvest
• Pinching may slightly delay the first flowers, but it generally improves overall stem production. This tall cut-flower variety may need a stake or support net as it matures.
  Harvesting for Fresh Flowers
• Harvest when approximately one-quarter of the flower has opened and the outer papery bracts have unfolded, but before the golden centre is fully exposed.
• Cut stems during the cooler part of the morning and harvest deeply into the plant to encourage new branching. Select Seeds
• likewise recommends harvesting when the flowers are approximately one-quarter open.
  Drying Instructions
  For high-quality dried flowers:
  1. Harvest before the flowers are fully open.
  2. Remove most or all foliage from the stems.
  3. Tie the stems into small, loose bundles.
  4. Hang them upside down.
  5. Dry in a dark, dry and well-ventilated location.
  Avoid drying in direct sunlight, as this can fade the soft cream and pale-yellow colouring.