Statice 'Mixed' Seeds

Once considered "retro," Statice has stormed back into fashion thanks to the sustainable flower movement. This mix produces sturdy, winged stems topped with papery, flat-topped clusters of flowers in a vibrant spectrum of colours: violet, rose, apricot, yellow, blue, and white.

The magic of Statice is in its texture. The colourful parts are actually papery calyces (not petals), which feel crisp and dry even when the plant is growing. This means they hold their colour perfectly when dried, lasting for years without fading. It is the essential ingredient for winter wreaths and everlasting bouquets.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Statice Mixed'

We love this plant because it is practically bulletproof in the vase. As a fresh cut flower, it lasts for two weeks. As a dried flower, it lasts indefinitely. If you want to fill your house with flowers in January, you need to grow Statice in July.

It is also incredibly tough in the garden. Originating from the Mediterranean coast, it tolerates salt air, wind, and drought, making it a superb choice for exposed seaside gardens or dry, sandy allotments.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Half-Hardy Annual?

Statice is a Half-Hardy Annual.

It requires warmth to germinate and grow, and it will not survive a frost.
The Secret: Although it loves sun, it needs a long growing season to produce good stems. Sow it early indoors to give it time to establish before planting out after the last frost.
Top Tip: For the best dried flowers, cut the stems when the clusters are fully coloured but *before* the tiny white "true flowers" inside the coloured bracts turn brown.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Statice is easy to grow but hates having "wet feet."

🌱 Germination:
Sow indoors from February to April. Sow seeds on the surface of moist compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of vermiculite (they need a little light). Keep warm (18-21°C). Germination takes 7-14 days. To avoid root disturbance later, sow in module trays.

Where to Sow:
They demand full sun. They thrive in sandy, free-draining soil. If you have heavy clay, you must add grit or grow them in raised beds, as they will rot in waterlogged ground.

Care While Growing:
Once established, they are very low maintenance and drought tolerant. They rarely need feeding (rich soil makes lush leaves but fewer flowers). In very windy sites, a little support netting helps keep the stems straight for cutting.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features.

My Recommended Garden Companions

Statice is best grown in a "Cutting Patch" alongside other plants that dry beautifully:

• 🌕 Scabiosa 'Drumstick': The ultimate textural contrast. The flat, colourful clusters of the Statice look incredible next to the geometric, bronze spheres of the Scabiosa seed heads. Both last forever when dried.
• 🌾 Hordeum jubatum (Foxtail Barley): Add some softness. Statice can look quite stiff and rigid. Planting it with the silky, waving plumes of Foxtail Barley softens the display and adds movement to your dried arrangements.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow indoors in spring. Plant out in summer. Harvest July-September.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)