More Information
| Botanical Name |
Centaurea americana |
| Seeds Per Pack |
25 |
| Life Cycle |
Annual |
| Min. Time to Germinate |
7 Days |
| Max. Time to Germinate |
14 Days |
| Depth to Sow Seeds |
1/16 in. |
| When to Sow |
Indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost |
| Minimum Seed Spacing |
1" |
| Growing Height |
36-48 in. (90-120 cm) |
| Plant Spacing |
18-24 in. (45-60 cm) |
| Hardiness |
USDA Zone 3a: to -35F, USDA Zone 3b: to -30F, USDA Zone 4a: to -25F, USDA Zone 4b: to -20F, USDA Zone 5a: to -15F, USDA Zone 5b: to -10F, USDA Zone 6a: to -5F, USDA Zone 6b: to 0F, USDA Zone 7a: to 5F, USDA Zone 7b: to 10F, USDA Zone 8a: to 15F, USDA Zone 8b: to 20F, USDA Zone 9a: to 25F, USDA Zone 9b: to 30F |
| Sun Exposure |
Full Sun |
| Danger |
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested, Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling, Pollen may cause allergic reaction |
| Bloom Color |
White/Near White |
| Bloom Time |
Late Spring/Early Summer, Late Summer/Early Fall, Mid-Summer |
| Foliage |
Chartreuse (Yellow-Green) |
| Other Details |
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater, Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping |
| Soil pH Requirements |
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral), 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) |
| Propagation Methods |
From seed; direct sow after last frost, From seed; sow indoors before last frost |
| Seed Collecting |
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds |
These towering beauties, which hold well for 4-5 days in a vase and dry beautifully at any stage, emit a lightly sweet fragrance. Despite its thistle-like appearance, these fully spineless plants are ideal for cutting gardens with their sturdy stems. Native to the US and discovered in the 1850s, this variety thrives in sunny, drought-tolerant conditions across most soil types. its fascinating papery buds, likened to fairy baskets, give way to large quill-petaled flowers that are a magnet for pollinators and hold their beauty well when dried, making them perfect for both fresh and dried floral arrangements.
