Ammobium Growing Guide


Common Name Ammobium, Winged Everlasting 
Genus  Ammobium
Species A. alatum (grandiflorum)
Family Asteraceae
Life Cycle  Annual (Perennial in zones 9-10)
Tray Size  210
Plug Care Harden off and plant immediately after arrival to prevent plugs from becoming rootbound. Avoid excessive root disturbance during transplanting. Do not overwater if holding in the plug trays for any period of time - Ammobium is prone to root rot in overly saturated conditions. 
Netting / Staking Not typically necessary, but light support such as one layer of trellis can be beneficial in windy areas.
Temperature Range These plants are sensitive to frost and freezing and thrive with warm days and cool nights. They will grow well in much of the US as an annual and will only overwinter in Zones 9 or higher. 
Spacing Space 9-12 inches apart to allow for proper airflow between plants which will help minimize disease risk. 
Soil Preference Well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.5-6.5). Enrich beds with compost before planting. Avoid over-watering; well drained soil is key to avoid root rot.
Day Length Day neutral, likely flowers better under long days; needs full sun to thrive. 
Pinching Pinching is not necessary, as stems rise from a low rosette of leaves (similarly to statice).
When to Plant Plant in the spring, after all threat of frost has passed. 
Harvesting Expect approximately 10 stems per plant - harvest when the flowers are half open, but before the yellow centers are showing. Flowers will continue to open both in the vase if used fresh, or as they dry. It takes 70-80 days from planting to flower. 
Post Harvest Care If being used fresh, cut stems should immediately be placed into cool water (strip lower leaves off) and kept somewhere cool and out of the sun to hydrate. Expect a vase life of 7-10 days - the use of a floral conditioner is not absolutely necessary but may help to maximize vase life. To dry, harvest at the same time (before the yellow centers are showing) and simply hang upside-down to dry. 
Diseases / Insects Generally pest resistant - pollinators love the flowers if left to fully open in the field. Avoid overhead watering and provide adequate space to allow for airflow between plants to minimize risk of disease. Ammobium are native to Australia and prefer a more arid climate - they may suffer from long bouts of high humidity and moisture. 
Bailey's Notes

If you are looking for a fun, whimsical new addition to your cut flower production - give these guys a try. The clusters of small daisy like flowers and unique ribbed or winged stems are really quite cute.
Resources NA