Centaurea americana (American Basket Flower) [15 Seeds]

(1 customer review)

$4.25

Germination Information: Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep, either indoors in early to mid spring or directly in your garden after your average last frost date. In my experience, it is normal for the germination to be erratic. The first seedling(s) usually pops up in within a week or so in indoor conditions, with others showing up over the next few weeks. (Last time I sowed these seeds, I started them indoors on April 11; the first seedling appeared on April 17. Your experience may vary). Also, be aware that very warm conditions seem to inhibit germination. This past summer, I did a test sowing in late July, and the seeds didn’t start germinating until the weather finally cooled in mid-September.

Cutting off the finished flowers can extend the bloom season, but if you leave some of them on the plants to form seeds, they will likely self-sow.

Note that this information will not appear on the seed packet you receive.

Please read the description as well before ordering.

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Description

American basket flower (Centaurea americana) gets its common name from the intricate, overlapping scales that encircle the base of each powder-puff bloom, creating a basket-like effect. The large, thistle-like blooms, which close at night, tend to have white centers surrounded by a purplish pink outer ring. (It’s possible that some all-white blooms may appear too.) I’ve read the scent described as honey-sweet, but I don’t find it particularly noticeable unless I stick my nose right into the center of the flower, which is a perilous proposition due to the many bees wallowing among the slender petals. Butterflies are also frequent visitors. The blooms appear through summer atop stems that can top out anywhere from 2 to 5 feet tall (figure on the shorter side of that range in average soil and the taller side in rich, moist conditions). Native to the south-central US. Full sun. Annual.

Collected in August 2022. At least 15 seeds. Unknown ecotype.

Please read the germination information as well before ordering.

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1 review for Centaurea americana (American Basket Flower) [15 Seeds]

  1. Terry T. (verified owner)

    Seeds sprouted as advertised. Unfortunately, the squirrels worked against me, digging in and around the seedlings despite all measures taken. Grrrr. I would purchase again–I’ll just put them in a different spot.

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