Eterneller Mix

1. Sowing Indoors or Outdoors:

   - Indoors: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.

     - Sow seeds on the surface of a moist, well-draining seed-starting mix. Do not cover the seeds, as they need light to germinate.

     - Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of 65–70°F (18–21°C). Germination usually takes 10–20 days.

   - Outdoors: Direct sow outdoors in spring after the danger of frost has passed.

     - Scatter seeds on the surface of well-prepared, light soil and press them down gently. Do not cover the seeds, as they require light for germination.

2. Sunlight and Soil:

   - Sunlight: Full sun is ideal for these plants. They need 6+ hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom well.

   - Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly sandy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0–7.0). Incorporate compost or organic matter to improve soil fertility and drainage.

3. Watering:

   - Water the plants regularly to keep the soil moist, but avoid waterlogging. 

   - Once established, Eterneller (Strawflower) is somewhat drought-tolerant, so reduce watering as the plants mature.

4. Care:

   - Thinning: After the seeds germinate, thin seedlings to 12–18 inches apart to allow good air circulation and room for growth.

   - Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and robust blooms. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to excessive leafy growth and fewer flowers.

   - Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers (deadhead) to encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season.

   - Mulching: Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

5. General Tips:

   - Everlasting Flowers are well known for their long-lasting blooms. Their papery petals retain their color even after drying, making them excellent for cut flower arrangements and dried flower displays.

   - Best grown in borders, flower beds, or containers where their tall stems and bright, colorful blooms can shine.

6. Harvesting:

   - Harvest the flowers when the blooms are fully open and the petals feel dry and papery. Cut the stems, leaving enough length to handle them, and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated area to dry.

   - Dried flowers can be used in crafts, dried bouquets, or wreaths.

Eterneller Mix provides a lovely mix of vivid colors, including shades of yellow, orange, pink, and red. These plants are not only beautiful in the garden but also great for preserving as a dried flower, making them a versatile addition to your garden.