Basketflower Seeds – American Centaurea

Basketflower Seeds – American Centaurea Variety produce elegant, thistle-like blooms that resemble large, lavender-pink cornflowers. Native to North America, this annual wildflower is known for its basket-shaped bracts beneath each flower head, giving it both beauty and unique texture. The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to any garden or wildflower meadow.

Basketflower plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, showing strong heat and drought tolerance once established. They make excellent choices for naturalized areas, pollinator gardens, and cut flower arrangements.

Features:

• Type: Annual wildflower

• Common Name (US): Basketflower

• Scientific Name: Centaurea americana

• Variety: American Centaurea

• Flower Color: Lavender to pink with cream centers

• Bloom Size: 3–4 inches across

• Growth Habit: Upright and branching

• Height: 3–5 feet (90–150 cm)

• Soil Requirement: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil

• Sunlight: Full sun

• Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant after establishment

• Bloom Time: Late spring through summer

• Special Feature: Attracts pollinators; ideal for natural landscapes

Specifications:

• Planting Season: Spring after last frost

• Hardiness Zones (USDA): Zones 3–9

• Sowing Method: Direct sow outdoors or start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost

• Germination Time: 10–20 days

• Germination Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C)

• Spacing Between Plants: 12–18 inches (30–45 cm)

• Mature Plant Height: 3–5 feet (90–150 cm)

• Best Growing Months:

  • Northern Zones (3–5): May to August

  • Mid Zones (6–7): April to September

  • Southern Zones (8–9): March to October

• Maintenance: Low; deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers

• Uses: Wildflower gardens, borders, meadows, pollinator habitats, and cut flower displays