Heirloom

Apricot/Peach Mix

Helichrysum bracteatum

Photo: Jeangagnon · Wikimedia Commons · (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Apricot/Peach Mix is an heirloom flowering variety that produces delicate blossoms in soft apricot and peach tones, creating a harmonious blend of warm spring colors. Mature plants display abundant blooms in 75-85 days, making them excellent for cutting gardens and ornamental displays. These flowers are prized for their natural color gradation and long vase life, distinguishing them from single-variety cultivars. Ideal for full-sun borders and landscape arrangements.

Harvest

75-85d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

1–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

24-36 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Showing dates for Apricot/Peach Mix in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 flower →

Zone Map

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Apricot/Peach Mix · Zones 1–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing12-18 inches

SoilWell-draining loam; tolerates poor soil

WaterModerate; drought tolerant once established

SeasonWarm season annual

ColorApricot and peach blend

Size2-2 1/2"

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 4	March – April	June – June	June – July	—
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	March – May	—
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	February – April	—
Zone 1	May – June	July – August	July – September	—
Zone 2	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 11	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 12	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 13	January – January	January – February	January – March	—

Succession Planting

Strawflowers bloom over a long season once they get going, but a single sowing tends to peak and then thin out by late summer. Start indoors in February–March for transplanting in April–May, then direct sow a second round in May or early June to keep fresh plants coming. Stop sowing once daytime highs are consistently above 90°F — germination gets erratic and seedlings struggle to size up before the heat grinds them down. In zone 7, that second direct-sow wave will carry you through to first frost with minimal effort.

Complete Growing Guide

Soil: Loam (Silt). Soil pH: Acid ( 6.0), Alkaline ( 8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: zer-oh-KRIS-um brak-tee-AH-tum. Spread: zer-oh-KRIS-um brak-tee-AH-tum. Growth rate: Medium. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal.

Harvesting

Apricot/Peach Mix reaches harvest at 75 - 85 days from sowing per Johnny's Selected Seeds. Expect 2-2 1/2" at peak. As an annual, harvest continues until frost ends the season.

This is an ornamental variety — not grown for harvest. Enjoy in the garden landscape.

Storage & Preservation

Apricot/Peach Mix strawflowers are grown for dried arrangements rather than fresh consumption. Once blooms reach full maturity (typically at peak color), cut stems and hang-dry them upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated space for 1-2 weeks. Store dried flowers in airtight containers away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve color for up to 2 years. Alternatively, press flowers between parchment paper under weight for 2-3 weeks, then store flat in boxes. A third method involves silica gel drying: bury blooms in silica gel in a sealed container for 5-7 days for vibrant preservation. Keep storage areas cool (60-70°F) and dry (below 50% humidity) to maintain quality.

History & Origin

Australia

Advantages

+Tall branching plants produce abundant double flowers for cutting
+Large 2-2.5 inch blooms in warm apricot and peach tones
+Quick maturation in 75-85 days from seed to flowers
+Organic seed option available for certified growing programs
+Strawflower petals dry perfectly for long-lasting arrangements

Considerations

-Requires full sun and well-draining soil or plants struggle
-Flowers fade noticeably in intense heat or direct afternoon sun
-Tall plants need staking in windy locations to prevent damage

Companion Plants

Chives and garlic deter aphids through sulfur compounds in their foliage — a real, if modest, effect that's worth the 6-inch border they take up. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) pull double duty: their roots suppress some soil nematodes, and their open flowers draw the same hoverflies and native bees that improve strawflower seed set. Nasturtiums act as a trap crop, pulling aphid pressure away from the helichrysum before it reaches the blooms. Skip any bed within 50–60 feet of a black walnut (Juglans nigra) — juglone from the roots moves through the soil and stalls or kills most annuals, including this one — and don't let turf grass creep in at the edges; its root competition shows up as stunted first-year plants even when water isn't scarce.

Plant Together

Chives

Repels aphids and other soft-bodied insects that commonly attack stone fruit trees

Comfrey

Deep taproot brings nutrients to surface and provides potassium-rich mulch when cut

Nasturtiums

Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles while attracting beneficial predatory insects

Tansy

Deters ants, mice, and various flying pests that can damage fruit trees

Marigolds

Repels nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects for pollination

Garlic

Natural fungicide properties help prevent bacterial and fungal diseases common in stone fruits

Lavender

Attracts pollinators and repels moths and other flying pests

Clover

Fixes nitrogen in soil and provides ground cover to retain moisture

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin which inhibits growth and can kill stone fruit trees

Tomatoes

Both susceptible to similar fungal diseases and pests, increasing disease pressure

Grass (turf)

Competes heavily for water and nutrients, reducing fruit tree vigor and production

Troubleshooting Apricot/Peach Mix

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

Gray, fuzzy mold coating stems, leaves, or developing flower heads during cool, wet stretches

Likely Causes

Botrytis cinerea (gray mold) — thrives in humid, still air with temps between 60–77°F
Plants spaced too tightly, blocking airflow between 12–18 inch centers

What to Do

1.Remove and bag affected tissue immediately — don't compost it
2.Space plants at the wider end of 18 inches and avoid overhead watering; water at the base in the morning
3.If the problem repeats, thin any crowded stems so air can move through the canopy

Seedlings suddenly toppling at the soil line, stems pinched and dark at the base, within the first 2–3 weeks after germination

Likely Causes

Damping off — typically Pythium or Rhizoctonia fungi, triggered by overwatered, poorly drained seed-starting mix
Trays kept too cold (below 65°F) or too wet after the 7–10 day germination window

What to Do

1.Toss the affected cells — there's no saving a damped-off seedling
2.Start fresh in a sterile, well-draining seed-starting mix and water only when the surface is dry to the touch
3.Run a small fan near your trays for 30–60 minutes a day to keep surface moisture down

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Apricot/Peach Mix strawflowers to bloom?▼

From planting, Apricot/Peach Mix strawflowers typically bloom in 75-85 days. This timeline applies to direct-sown seeds; starting indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost can give you earlier blooms. Once plants begin flowering, they'll continue producing new blooms throughout the growing season if you keep harvesting or deadheading spent flowers to encourage more growth.

Are strawflowers good for beginners?▼

Yes, strawflowers including Apricot/Peach Mix are excellent for beginners. They're labeled as an easy variety that thrives in full sun with minimal care. These plants are drought-tolerant once established, forgiving of poor soil, and naturally pest-resistant. They're also heirloom varieties, meaning seeds come true-to-type, making them ideal for seed-saving novices.

Can you grow Apricot/Peach Mix strawflowers in containers?▼

Yes, these strawflowers grow well in containers. Choose pots at least 8-12 inches deep with drainage holes and well-draining potting soil. Space plants 12-18 inches apart within containers. Container-grown strawflowers may require slightly more frequent watering than in-ground plants, especially during hot weather. Place containers in full sun for best branching and flowering performance.

What is the best use for Apricot/Peach Mix strawflowers?▼

Apricot/Peach Mix strawflowers are prized for dried flower arrangements and crafts. Their papery, long-lasting blooms maintain vibrant color when dried, making them perfect for wreaths, bouquets, and home décor. They also work well as fresh cut flowers, though their true value emerges once dried. Many gardeners grow them specifically for dried flower businesses or personal arrangement projects.

When should I plant Apricot/Peach Mix strawflower seeds?▼

Direct sow seeds in your garden after your last spring frost date. Alternatively, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost for earlier blooms. These heirloom plants are heat-lovers that germinate and grow best in warm soil. In warm climates, you can even succession-sow every 2-3 weeks for continuous flowering throughout the season.

How tall do Apricot/Peach Mix strawflower plants grow?▼

Apricot/Peach Mix plants are described as tall and well-branched, typically reaching 24-36 inches in height when mature. Their branching habit means they produce multiple flower stems per plant, making them excellent for cutting. Staking may be beneficial in windy locations or when growing in containers to prevent sprawling.