American Basketflower

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Centaurea americana, commonly called American starthistle or American basketflower, is an annual native to the southern central United States and northeastern Mexico. Its common name comes from the underside of the inflorescence, which has a basket weave pattern on it and on the flowerbuds.

The best time to plant American Basketflower is in the fall, from August to November. This is because American Basketflower seeds have a high dormancy rate, which means they need to go through a cold period before they will germinate. Planting the seeds in the fall allows them to experience this cold period and germinate in the spring.

American Basketflower

Planting Tips

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Fall planting is ideal, as seeds naturally undergo cold temperatures and dormancy during winter. In cold and temperate climates, sow seeds from September to November.  In warmer climates, seeds can be sown in late fall or winter.
  1. Remove vegetation from the area to be planted and loosen the top few inches of soil. 
  2. Add compost. 
  3. Plant seeds  ½ inch deep.
  4. Seedlings will emerge in the spring.  
  5. Thin to 8 inches between plants.
  • Spring planting:  American Basket Flower seeds can be direct sown in the spring.  
  1. Remove vegetation from the area to be planted and loosen the top few inches of soil. 
  2. Add compost.
  3. Plant seeds  ½ inch deep.
  4. Germination should occur within 7-21 days.
  5. Keep the soil moist after sowing until plants are established.
  6. Thin to 8 inches between plants.
  • Indoor Planting:
  1. To start indoors, plant three or four seeds 1/2" below the surface in individual peat pots or trays of good quality soil mix.
  2. Keep soil moist (not wet or dry).
  3. Germination should occur within 7-21 days.
  4. Transplant outdoors when plants have true leaves and are 2-4 inches tall. 
  5. Recommended spacing is 8 inches apart.
  • Note: Plants may require support at first depending on their height.  

Site Selection:

  • Prefers full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight daily).
  • Thrives in well-draining soils; sand, loam, clay.

Soil Preparation:

  • No need to amend soil with fertilizer; American Basket Flower tolerates nutrient-poor conditions.

Watering:

  • Water regularly during germination and establishment.
  • Once established, American Basket Flower is drought-tolerant.

Maintenance Tips:

  • Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Avoid over-fertilizing; excess nutrients can reduce flowering.
  • Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming and prevent aggressive self-seeding.
Centaurea americana
American Basketflower

Native Plant Map

Dark Green indicates the plant is native within the state, yellow rare, the lime green indicates where the plant is seen more in a county within a state.

Map Credits BONAP©2024

Testimonials

★★★★★

I love Native Sunflowers in my home garden and landscape.

Mary Hoggins
Tyler, Texas
★★★★★

Last year in the Fall, I collected a lot of seeds I planted this year.

Author's name
Dallas, Texas
★★★★★

They really added a big splash of color to the front of my house garden bed. Love them!

Audrey Long
Mobile, Alabama

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