Gardening: Everything You Need to Know to Grow Acroclinium

It's that time of year, folks! Spring is just around the corner and some fresh flowers for gardening are in order! One suggestion is a beautiful but low maintenance flower called Acroclinium.

Acroclinium, also known as Starflower, is a daisy-like flower that can grow up to one foot and comes in a variety of warm tone colors, such as pink, orange, red, and yellow. These beautiful flowers are a popular addition to any bouquet, and dry nicely for a longer lasting decoration. Despite their large variety of uses and their wonderful beauty, growing and caring for Acroclinium is very simple and suitable for any gardener, novice or expert.

These plants do best if they are not transplanted, so if possible, you should plant the seeds directly in their final display place. If you prefer to start your flowers indoors, make sure you use biodegradable pots than can be placed directly into the ground (peat pots work well for this). Choose a planting place that will get full sun in late April (or late March if starting indoors or in a greenhouse, and transplant them outside in mid June). Acroclinium will thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil (a pH of 6.5 should be perfect). Press the seeds into the soil, but leave uncovered to allow the sunlight to reach the seeds. Under these conditions, Acroclinium will germinate in about 15 days.

You will see the most productive flowering season in July and August. Keep the soil moist and add a scoop of fertilizer every month after flowers begin to bloom. Check for aphids and other bugs regularly, especially when your flowers are young. You can spray an organic pesticide, or simply blasting them with a quick stream of water when you see them ought to take care of it. Be careful not to use too forceful of a stream as to not break the stems of the flowers.

If you are harvesting the flowers for a bouquet, cut them at the base of the stem at an angle just before the flowers are fully open (they will open fully in your vase). Cutting flowers will encourage the plant to grow new, fresh flowers. When flowers have fully bloomed, dry them by hanging them upside down in a dark, dry place.

Sources:
http://www.simplegiftsfarm.com/acroclinium.html
http://www.marthastewart.com/plant/acroclinium-roseum