Fluffy pink spires that look like something out of a Dr Seuss storybook — Statice suworowii (aka Pink Pokers) brings texture, colour, and serious florist appeal. It’s a cut flower workhorse and a drying room favourite, with long wiry stems and feather-like blooms that hold their shape beautifully when dried. A must-grow for anyone who loves unusual filler flowers and soft pinks.
 
When to Sow: Jan–July or Sept–Oct
 
HOW TO SOW PINK POKERS:
Start indoors on a windowsill or in a greenhouse. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained compost, and cover with vermiculite or a whisper of compost — just enough to keep the light in but the moisture steady. Ideal Temp  18–24°C.  Once your seedlings are big enough to handle, pot them on  and grow them on somewhere cooler. Harden off gently, then plant out after the last frost.
 
Classification: Half Hardy Annual
Expert Level: Easy to Grow
Germination Time: 2–4 weeks
Site: Full Sun
 
Soil Type: Chalk, Sand, Loam
Soil Acidity: Neutral to Alkaline
Moisture: Well drained
Care: Pick regularly to keep plants blooming. Deadhead to prevent self-seeding if not desired.
Use: Cut Flowers, Dried Flowers, Cottage Garden Beds
Harvesting: Cut when the majority of the flower spike is open and showing strong colour Avoid harvesting too early (when spikes are tight and greenish) — they won’t continue to develop after cutting Avoid cutting too late (when seeds start forming) — stems will feel coarse and shed fluff
 
Days to Maturity: 90–100 days
Vase Life: 7–10 Days Fresh / All Season Dried
Height: 70–90cm
Plant Spacing: 20cm