1. Strawflower Monster Mix(Xerochrysum bracteatum): One example is the Stanley strawflower, popular among gardeners for its bright colors and strong growth. Strawflower Stanley, with its large flowerheads in vibrant orange, pink, and yellow, is a real showstopper that can be grown as an annual garden bedding plant or container.

Their strong stems and long-lasting blooms also harden them. They are perfect for dried strawflower arrangements, so you can take advantage of the bright colors after the flowering is over.

1. Cactus Strawflower: The Cactus strawflower is essential for a more exotic, textured look. Because of its spiky cactus-like petals, this variety adds an energetic and lively touch to your garden. 

The flowers come in deep red, rich orange, and sunny yellow. If you want a durable and eye-catching plant, Cactus Strawflowers are the one you’re looking for. Also, they will hold up to any harsh elements.

1. Other Types: Stanley and Cactus are noted, but not limited to, many other strawflower varieties can also be grown. Each variety has its sprinkle of pastel-hued blooms, lush greenery, or sky-high stems with vibrantly colored petals. Strawflower Sunshine gives you a bright, cheerful gold display, while Strawflower Queen offers larger, attractive blooms.

1. Location: Strawflowers like full sun. Plant in a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Although adaptable to all kinds of soil, they prefer well-drained soil with a neutral or slightly acidic pH. Reduce soil compression and improve drainage. 

If your soil is heavy or clayey, consider Improving it with compost rather than planting in raised beds. Compost helps to improve soil structure, drainage, and fertility, making it a more effective and cost-efficient way to boost your garden soil. This method can boost plant growth and reduce the need for raised beds if soil changes are managed well.

We also have a article about Top 10 Plants That Thrive in Tough Clay.

1. Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to 9-12 inches before planting. Add a layer of compost rich in organic matter and well-decomposed to break up the soil and create a better soil structure.

You can use Finished Compost, Leaf Mold, Composted Manure, or Garden Compost for best results. This will give the straw flowers nutrients to grow strong and full.

1. Sowing Seeds: Strawflower seeds can be planted indoors or directly in the garden. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, then transplant them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed. Begin by sowing the seeds in a seed-starting mix and cover the seed under the soil.

For best results, keep the temperature 70°F and the soil moist.Once seedlings have a few true leaves, gradually introduce them to outdoor conditions. They can be planted outside safely after the last frost.

If you’re going to sow a garden bed directly in the soil, do it after your last frost date. Plant seeds around 1-4 inches deep, about 12-18 inches between plants. Press down on the soil and keep it moist until germination (usually 7 to 14 days).

1. Transplant: Once seedlings are about 4-6 inches (10 to 15 cm) tall and the soil has warmed up, transplant them into your garden. Give the plants 12-18 inches of room to expand. After planting, give them a good, thorough watering for their root system to develop.
2. Taking Care of Strawflowers: Once established, strawflower flowers are relatively low maintenance. Water regularly, particularly during unusually dry weather, but be sure not to overwater, or your plants will expand root rot. 
3. Fertilizing: Apply a general, balanced fertilizer in spring and summer when the plant is actively growing to encourage more flowers. Deadhead flowers are spent to keep the plant blooming and looking fresh.

1. Watering: Due to their deep main roots, strawflowers are easy to grow and can handle average drought conditions. They need to be kept properly moist, but consistent moisture is key. 

Deeply water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Foliage should be dry before evening to avoid fungal problems, which makes morning watering the best. Do not overwater your strawflowers, as they like well-drained soil.

1. Fertilizing: For good growth and bountiful blooming, apply a complete, balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once in early spring and then again in mid-season. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas because they produce more leaves at the expense of flowers. Equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer, such as 10-10-20, are great for low-maintenance strawflowers.
2. Mulch: Mulching strawflowers helps retain soil moisture, control weeds, and moderate soil temperature. Place a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the base of plants. 

Avoid mulching right up to the stems, as this, too, can encourage rot. You may also want to consider deadheading and mulching for best growth or basically anything that would encourage continuous strawflower blooming.

1. Deadheading: To prevent strawflowers from becoming one-time bloomers, deadhead them by regularly removing exhausted flowers throughout the season. Removing exhausted flower heads keeps your plants flowering longer and prevents the plant from putting energy into developing seeds. Pinch or cut faded flowers just above the next set of leaves.
2. Pests & Diseases: Strawflowers tend to be pest and disease resistant, but they may sometimes have issues with aphids or spider mites. Inspect your plants regularly for pests. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for pest management. Good air circulation is very important to help avoid problems with fungal diseases such as damping off.
3. Staking: Strawflowers are usually self-supporting, but taller varieties may need additional support to keep the plant upright. Support your plants as long as they are small; simply place stakes or cages around them to help offer support from the winds.
4. Harvest and Dry: Growing strawflowers provide an additional season of creativity, as their dried blooms offer many inventive possibilities. Harvest the flowers when fully open, vibrant, and soft but before their petals fade. Place them in a dark, well-ventilated area to dry. When dried, they retain their bright colors and can be used for crafts or in other bouquets.