White Basket Flower

White Basket Flower (Centaurea americana) - It is hard to resist these large, puffy flowers and their sweet honey-like scent. Native to the mid and southern US states, Basket Flower is named after the straw-coloured bracts that hold the buds in place. The multi-branching habit yields many white flowers per plant, each radiating a lovely creamy white center with striking white feathery fringes. Flowers can exceed 4 or 5 inches across and plants can reach 5 feet high. A fairly long bloom period beginning in midsummer to late fall. We cannot stop growing these for our own satisfaction and for our resident bumble bees. Makes a beautiful addition to flower gardens and/or naturalized spaces. Also quite popular as a cut vase flower. 30 seeds per packet Growing Information: Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost. Sow at ¼” depth, keeping temperature between 18-22 C. Space transplants 16-20” apart. Can also be directly sown outdoors after the last spring frost. Expect germination within 1-3 weeks. Days to Germination: 7 - 20 Plant Spacing: 16" - 20" (40cm - 50cm) Plant Height: 36" - 60" (90 -150 cm) Features: Annual Hardiness Zones: 2 - 11 Bloom Time: Summer to Fall Light Requirements: Full Sun Attracts Bees & Butterflies Heat & Drought Resistant Great as Cut or Vase Flower