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Armenian Basketflower

Armenian Basketflower – A Little History and Some Growing Instructions

The Armenian Basketflower is a robust perennial which is probably native to Europe, Asia and the Mediterranean. It is also known as Giant Knapweed and its Latin name is Centaurea macrocephala which tells us that it is related to Bachelor Buttons and Cornflowers. The large yellow flowers and the base which holds them are reminiscent of thistle flowers. The plants form clumps of thick, stiff, leafy stems and flowers are borne on the ends of each stem.
Armenian Basketflowers are mildly easy to grow if given the proper conditions. The plants need full sun and will not tolerate evenly mildly wet conditions. On the other hand they seem to be both drought and heat tolerant. They will self seed easily if their seed pods are broken apart and the seed redistributed. Plant seeds in the spring after the danger of frost is gone. Seeds can be soaked for 12-24 hours before planting. Seeds should be planted to a depth of 1 inch and will germinate in less than 2 weeks. Mature plants should be separated by at least 18 inches.