I am a child of the eighties; and, in the eighties (and nineties), statice featured prominently in bouquets. I was never really a fan of it. Along with carnations and baby's breath, it seemed almost tacky. I am here to tell you that I have changed my mind about this flower. Statice is a great summer flower to grow.
Statice has come a long way since its eighties bouquet days. It is no longer relegated to sad grocery store bouquets but has come into its own as a beautiful filler flower and dried flower.
Our Story
I never thought that I would grow statice of my own volition, but, as I was researching hardy annuals a few years ago, I decided to give statice a try. I had listened to a podcast about making a wreath completely out of dried statice, and I was intrigued. I began seeds in the summer, planted them out that fall, and then protected them through the winter. Unfortunately, those seedlings didn't make it. Instead, I pivoted and sewed seeds 5-6 weeks before my last frost, hardened them off, and planted them out. Those plants took off! They thrived and enjoyed the cooler spring temperatures. They produced beautiful flowers and dried wonderfully. I was able to incorporate the statice into dried jewelry and wreaths.
Care & Maintenance
With statice, it is recommended to start your seed indoors. The seeds are small and need light to germinate. Only cover the seeds with a light amount of vermiculite or seed starting medium. Make sure to harden them off before you plant them out. Depending on your growing zone, statice can be a short perennial or annual. You may be able to plant your seedlings in the fall for an earlier bloom. As I found in my zone 7, I need to wait until spring to start seeds.
Plant seedlings 9-12" apart in a sunny location with well-draining soil. Once statice is established, the plant is drought tolerant. Statice do not need to be pinched or netted. They will form a rosette from which the stems sprout. The stems are sturdy and produce small flowers on their ends.
Harvesting
Harvest statice in the morning or cool of the evening when the flowers have all opened. If you harvest too early, the stem can wilt. Snip at the base of the stem with clean and sharpened snips. Harvest into a clean bucket with cool water. If you will be drying the statice stems, wrap the base of the stems with a rubber band and hang to dry.
Other things to consider
Statice is drought tolerant, deer resistant, sturdy, and maintenance free. It can be used as filler in bouquets and arrangements, and it can be dried for use in wreaths and jewelry. Plus, it comes in a range of beautiful colors that make it stand out from its 80's and 90's counterparts. Would you consider adding statice to your garden?
This post is part of a year-long series on flowers and plants that we love and grow on the farm. Check out other flowers that we love.
Lisianthus | Strawflower | Gomphrena | Celosia | Zinnias | Cosmos | Sunflowers | Yarrow