Germination Instructions Soil temperature: 70 degrees Germination lighting: Light required Depth: 1/8" Germination days: 12-20 days Plant spread: 12" Plant height: 30" Seed Count: 100 For zones 1-12 Strawflower is very easy to sow. It's best to start these in pots 6 weeks before you first frost in the spring. Place them on the surface and lightly cover with vermiculite or sand as they need light to germinate. Be advised they require warmth to germinate and if starting in winter wet soil will be colder than the inside temperature of your home. We use a germination heating mat placed on top of our seed tray, at night when your seeds are not under lights, when germinating these warm weather seeds in winter. It is also recommended that you water from the bottom of your pot or tray as they disliked being disturbed. Once the seeds start to germinate you can stop using the heating mat and after your last frost transplant them into your garden. You can direct sow these in late spring after your last frost. Strawflower prefers warmer soil temperatures so make sure your daytime soil temperatures reach the mid 70's and if we are going to direct sow we generally sow these when we sow our zinnia seeds. Sow on the surface and very lightly dust with peat as they need light to germinate. Be advised strawflower dislike being disturbed while germinating and excessive heavy rains will decrease the chance of successful germination. Strawflower dislike soggy roots and can tolerate high heat and drought like conditions. In the garden find a high spot or sow into a garden bed with at least a 6" raised bed. While technically a perennial you should treat them as an annual. Though they rarely come back they do self seed very easily.