Basket Flower Cut Flower Production in Utah

Overview

A purple basket flower with a bee on it. — **Figure 1.** ‘Aloha Rose’ with a visit from a pollinator.

Basket flower is a versatile and visually striking plant valued by florists and gardeners alike for its unique texture, ease of cultivation, and environmental benefits. The large, fringed blooms in shades of pink, lavender, and creamy white add elegance and texture to floral arrangements, harmonizing well with other flowers and greenery. As a reliable mid-season, low-water annual, this crop thrives across soil types with minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for U.S. Intermountain West growers. Moreover, its ability to attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, enhances its ecological value, while its resistance to pests and diseases further contributes to its practicality and popularity.

Cultivars

Basket flower (Centaurea americana), or American basket flower, is a unique annual with a loosely branching growth habit that can reach 3 to 4 feet in height. Foliage is elongated and lance-shaped, gray-green in color, with a soft, almost hairy-like texture. Blooms are large and frilled, often 3 to 6 inches in diameter, in shades of pink, lavender, or creamy white (Figure 1). Basket flower blooms for several weeks from mid to late summer and emits a light fragrance. Supported by a fibrous root system, the plant is well-anchored and drought-tolerant, making it both resilient and visually striking in natural and cultivated settings. ‘Aloha’ is the only cultivar readily available in seed and has two colors: ‘Aloha Blanca’ (white) and ‘Aloha Rose’ (lavender and pink with some white) (Table 1). Studies at the University of Georgia showed that basket flower can produce 11 to 15 stems per plant when grown under ideal conditions (Armitage, 2003). In Northern Utah trials with water restriction, the greatest yields were 11 stems per plant but were more commonly 6 to 9 stems per plant (for more information, see the USU Basket Flower Trials section in this fact sheet).

Table 1. Selected basket flower cultivars for cut flower production.

‘Aloha Blanca’

This cultivar’s unusually large white flowers reach 4 to 6 inches in diameter. Some center flower petals may have tan-brown tips. The unique texture adds personality to both market bouquets and event work.

‘Aloha Rose’

Blooms have a pink or lavender shade. Some petals may have eye-catching black tips. The soft, ombre-like tones are versatile for most design and event work.

Site Preparation

Basket flower is an easy-to-care-for annual with low water and nutrient requirements once established. Native to the southern U.S. and northern Mexico, basket flower is adapted to warm conditions and can tolerate some shade. Optimal conditions include well-drained soil with full to partial sun. As always, a soil nutrient test is recommended in new planting areas or where soil testing has not occurred in 2 years. Utah State University Analytical Laboratories (USUAL) performs soil tests, with pricing and sampling instructions available on their website.

For basket flower grown in high tunnels, planning and preparation begin the previous fall by installing the plastic high tunnel covering before heavy rain or snowfall. This ensures the soil will not be too wet to work early the following spring and decreases the risk of disease. For both high tunnel and field plantings, till (or broadfork, if practicing no-till) and rake the soil smooth, forming 3- to 4-foot-wide beds. If desired, install drip irrigation prior to planting.

Germination

Basket flower can be direct sown in spring (April or May), but warm temperatures are needed for germination. Most growers, therefore, prefer to transplant seedlings. To start indoors, sow seeds 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting, with two to three seeds per cell in 72-cell flats or preferred size. Exposing seeds to cold temperatures before sowing is not necessary. Fill trays with a high-quality peat/perlite soilless media or seedling mix and cover the seeds lightly with fine vermiculite (no more than 1/8 or 1/4 inch deep). Bottom water or mist the soil until the plants emerge to avoid seed displacement. Expect germination between 7 to 14 days at 65 °F to 75 °F. Once the seedlings emerge, begin watering deeply to moisten the entire cell and maintain consistent temperatures of 65 °F. Thin to the strongest seedling per cell.

Transplanting and Spacing

Harden off basket flower prior to transplanting. For field production, transplant after all danger of freezing has passed. Space plants 6, 9, or 12 inches apart to avoid overcrowding at maturity. A 12-inch spacing accommodated the branching habit observed in Utah State University (USU) trials, but 9 inches may be tested in the future. Planting in the morning, evening, or on a cloudy day is recommended. Separate compacted roots. Settle the plants into place by gently packing and firming the displaced soil. Water deeply and thoroughly after planting.

Ideally, basket flower should be planted during short days (long nights), so flowering occurs during long days (short nights). Transplanting in late spring (April–May) takes advantage of naturally increasing hours of daylight. Succession planting in July–August is difficult, as daylengths shorten after the summer solstice. This can result in short plants with rapid flowering and low yield. To overcome this, expose seedlings for later plantings to 4 to 6 weeks of short days (manipulated manually indoors) before transplanting outdoors.

Mesh trellis placed halfway up white flowers in a garden. — **Figure 2.** Horizontal trellis installed at half the crop height adds support for straight stems. Note the brown bracts of the flower bud, a unique texture with cut flower possibilities.

Pinching and Trellising

Pinching is recommended for basket flower, as this will encourage the stems to branch for more robust harvests. Pinch when young plants are approximately 12 inches tall (approximately 3 to 4 weeks after planting), removing 4 to 6 inches from the central stem.

A horizontal trellis (also known as netting) is recommended to reinforce plants and promote straight, marketable stems, especially in high-wind locations. A 6-by-6-inch mesh trellis pulled taut across the bed is the most effective support (Figure 2). Trellis is easiest to install before or right after planting and can also serve as a planting grid. Installing when the plants are taller can damage the stems. There are two methods for staking the trellis: (1) For shade or low tunnels, the hoops can support the trellis across the row. See USU’s “Low Tunnels for Field Cut Flower Production” fact sheet for more information; (2) Alternatively, install wooden stakes or rebar at 3- to 5-foot intervals along the bed edge. The trellis should be moved upward as the plants grow to match half the height of the tallest stems.

Nutrient Management

Basket flower has low to moderate nutrient requirements. A general recommendation is at least 0.1 pound of nitrogen per 100 square feet. For example, use at least 0.2 pound (about 1/3 cup) of conventional urea fertilizer (46-0-0) or less than 1 pound (about 3 cups) of organic 12-0-0 fertilizer. Phosphorous and potassium should be added before or at planting but only after soil test results indicate the need, as these nutrients can build up in the soil. USU’s “Urban Garden Soils: Testing and Management” is a useful tool for calculating nutrient applications.

Irrigation, Pests, and Disease

Sandy or loamy, well-drained soil is optimal. While establishing roots, lightly irrigate 2 to 3 times per week to ensure the surface soil stays moist for the shallow root systems of the new transplants. Once established, basket flower has low water needs; reduce irrigation to twice per week, applying 1 inch of water weekly. Like with most plants, avoid overwatering to reduce the risk of root rot. Basket flower has little pest pressure, but keep a watchful eye on plants for early intervention and management. See Tables 2 and 3 for common diseases and pests. See also the “Pest Management for Utah Cut Flower Production: Insects and Their Relatives” fact sheet for additional management information.

Harvest and Storage

For basket flowers transplanted in April or May, bloom occurs in July and August. Harvest when at least one flower on a stem is 1/2 to 3/4 open, and the other buds are showing color (Figure 3). Partially opened buds will continue to open after harvest. The vase life decreases if the blooms are fully open, the center is domed, and the petals are reflexed at harvest. While basket flower is sold primarily for its frilly blooms, the large tan bracts seen at the bud stage may also have value for florists looking for interesting textures in design work.

Basket flower blooms at different harvest stages: a closed bud (too soon), two fully opened blooms (optimal), and an overmature bloom (too late). The images show how flower development affects the best timing for cutting stems. — **Figure 3.** Harvest stages of basket flower for cut flower production.

The generally acceptable market length for stems is 16 to 20 inches (Seattle Wholesale, 2024), though 14-inch minimums were accepted in local Utah markets. Harvest using clean, sharp shears, cutting the stem directly above a set of leaves. Stems will subsequently branch from this cut point. Line up the flower heads carefully and cut the bunch evenly to the shortest stem, wrapping securely with a rubber band (Figure 4). Band in 10-stem bunches, depending on stem thickness. Stems are unmarketable (culls) if they are too short, deformed, or have damage. Immediately place bunches in clean buckets filled with several inches of cool water. Using slow-release chlorine tablets or a holding solution for hydration may prolong vase life. It is not recommended to hold basket flower for longer than 3 days at 36 °F to 41 °F. Expect a vase life of 7 to 10 days (Dole, 2017).

Bunches of both purple and white basket flowers. — **Figure 4.** ‘Aloha Rose’ and ‘Aloha Blanca’ bunched for market.

Economics

While basket flower is less commonly grown and sold, many qualities make it an attractive choice for florists. The frilly, fringed blooms are eye-catching and almost exotic, making floral arrangements visually interesting. The soft color palette of pink, lavender, and cream is versatile and blends well with other flowers and greenery. Also, basket flower has a moderate vase life, making it a practical choice for florists selling to consumers. For growers, basket flower is a reliable crop during water restrictions, has low pest pressure, attracts beneficials, and may be an interesting crop to offer because of its rarity at imported wholesalers. Local growers can offer this unique bloom as a standout local summer crop, especially if successions are well-planned for continuous bloom. In markets along the Wasatch Front and Cache Valley, expect prices around $1.00 to $1.20 per stem.

USU Basket Flower Trials

In 2023, USU conducted basket flower trials with ‘Aloha Rose’, and both ‘Aloha Rose’ and ‘Aloha White’ were included in 2024. The study was established at the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station – Greenville Research Farm in North Logan, Utah (USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, average last freeze date: May 15). The goal was to test high tunnel versus field production under water restriction. Irrigation was applied twice weekly and delivered up to 1.0 to 1.5 inches per week. The high tunnels were transplanted in April (6 weeks before the last freeze date) and the fields were in late May (right after the last average freeze date). Methods to further conserve water were tested in each system. The plastic covering the high tunnels was replaced with shade cloth after the danger of frost had passed, creating a cooler, shaded, protected microclimate and, hence, lower water demand. In the field, half of the soils were left bare, and the other half were covered with raw sheep wool, applied at 10 pounds per 16 square feet, which was approximately 4 inches thick at the beginning of the season. The effects on harvest timing and yield were evaluated, as well as soil moisture and temperature.

Purple basket flowers with a bee on one. — **Figure 5.** Pollinators continue visiting harvested stems.

The harvest began in July, peaked in late July to early August, and ended in mid to late August in both production systems. Each year, basket flower performed better in the fields than the high tunnels, and wool mulch boosted yields compared to bare soils. The total yield in stems per plant (with dates of first and last harvest) was 6.8 (July 17–August 16) in 2023 and 3.9 (July 25–August 28) in 2024 in the high tunnel. The field with mulch averaged 9.5 (July 17–August 16) in 2023 and 9.3 (July 3–August 21) in 2024. Without mulch, field yields were 8.3 (July 13–August 16) in 2023 and 5.4 (July 15– August 21) in 2024. From our visual observations, the high tunnels likely underperformed because the soil remained more moist and the plants preferred the full sun (i.e., no shade) in the field. The unseasonally late frosts in late May and mid-June of 2024, followed by supra-optimal air temperatures, likely depressed yield in 2024.

Though the production window was brief (4 to 6 weeks), basket flower thrived in Utah’s high elevation sunlight, heat, and low water and nutrient inputs. It had markedly few pests and was also an astounding draw for pollinators and beneficials, necessitating careful, deliberate harvests at times (Figure 5). We recommend planting in fields rather than high tunnels. Instead of attempting to stagger production with successive transplant dates, the crop may be best suited to sequential cropping systems. For example, one field may be (1) planted with an early, cool-season crop in fall that blooms in early spring (e.g., tulips, daffodil), followed by (2) transplants of basket flower that grow and bloom mid-season, and finished with (3) a late-summer transplant or fast-maturing seeded crop for fall production (e.g., snapdragon, sunflower).

Summary

Basket flower is a versatile and visually striking annual that offers beauty and ecological benefits. With large, frilled blooms in shades of pink, lavender, and creamy white, it serves as a stunning addition to farms, landscapes, and floral arrangements alike. From a preference for low water, to a short season that peaks when many other crops experience a slump, minimal maintenance needs, and the ability to attract pollinators, basket flower is an excellent choice for farmers seeking a hardy yet elegant crop. Florists value the eye-catching texture of blooms, and even the buds can be used to add visual interest to fresh and dried arrangements. As imported basket flowers are uncommon at wholesale stores, U.S. Intermountain West growers may find this a unique and valuable crop to offer from their farms.

Table 2. Common diseases of basket flower for cut flower production.

Disease	Identification	Control
ROOT, STEM, CROWN ROTS (Pythium sp., Rhizoctonia sp.)	These fungi infect roots and crowns, producing dull-colored foliage or wilting followed by yellowing. Roots are dark, soft, or decayed. Plants may be stunted and eventually die.	Plugs should be transplanted with well-developed roots that are not root bound. Plant in well-drained soil and avoid excessive irrigation/moisture. Dig out and destroy infected plants.

Table 3. Common pests of basket flower for cut flower production.

Pest	Identification	Control
FUNGUS GNATS	These small flies are common in greenhouses and enclosed spaces, especially wet areas. Damage: Larvae feed on decomposing tissue and roots, causing stunted growth or dieback in young plants. Adults are primarily a nuisance. Identification: Adults are small (~1/8 in.), delicate insects with dark bodies, long legs, and clear wings. The larvae (maggots) are translucent white with black heads.	Monitor for adults in greenhouse spaces using yellow sticky traps. Monitor for larvae using potato slices on the soil surface. Ensure proper drainage in soil media trays and let soil surfaces dry between waterings. For biocontrol, drench pots/soil with beneficial nematodes or release beneficials (mites or rove beetles).
GRASSHOPPERS	Adults are highly mobile and recognized by their large hind legs. Their chewing mouthpart creates holes in foliage, but damage can affect other plant parts as well. Identification: Begin monitoring early for young nymphs and feeding damage. Egg clusters overwinter a few inches below the soil. Population levels depend on weather and past management practices.	Because grasshoppers are highly mobile, manage across a wide area. Baits (e.g., wheat bran with carbaryl or Nosema locustae) are most effective early in the season. Hand-pick and use trap plants (grasses) around crops and/or row covers. Apply insecticides—preferably on trap plants—only when needed. Targeting nymphs is most effective, as adults have a hard exoskeleton that protects them from insecticides. If not using insecticides, chickens can be effective predators but can trample young crops.
SHORE FLIES	These are common in greenhouses, especially with excess irrigation and prolonged wet surfaces. Neither adults nor larvae feed directly on plants but can spread spores of plant pathogenic fungi, impacting seedling production. Adults can develop quickly in dense swarms, creating a nuisance. Identification: Adults are small (<1/16 in.), dark gray with short antennae, and lay eggs in algal scum, where larvae feed before pupating into adulthood	Monitor in greenhouse spaces using yellow sticky traps. Ensure proper drainage in soil media trays and prevent overwatering. Mitigate algae growth on the floor and benches. Consider insecticides (concentrates and soil drenches) with active ingredients labeled for shore flies and greenhouse use. Beneficial nematodes can also help control populations.
TRUE PLANT BUGS	These small true bugs (~1/4 in.) are mottled brown with a distinctive triangular shape on their back. Adults and nymphs frequently damage plants by piercing them with their piercing-sucking mouthparts, causing stippling, distortion, and discoloration of plant tissues.	Populations tend to be greatest midsummer to fall but monitor fields throughout the season. Reduce weed pressure (alternate hosts) in production areas. If populations reach the damage threshold, consider insecticides containing permethrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, or malathion.
*WHITEFLIES*	Whiteflies are closer to aphids than true flies. Covered with a white, waxy powder, these small insects are commonly found in greenhouses. Adults and nymphs feed with piercing-sucking mouthparts, causing yellowing, eventual wilting, and leaving a sticky residue like aphids. Identification: Adults are tiny (<1/8 inch), white, with wings folded flat against their backs. Nymphs are scale-like, translucent, and have flat bodies.	Monitor in greenhouses with yellow sticky traps. Purchase beneficial insects for protected crops (greenhouse, high tunnels) or encourage them outdoors with flowering plants. Apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil at the nymph stage and repeat when necessary. Reduce use of synthetic insecticides, or rotate mode of action, to prevent resistance.
*VARIOUS MAMMAL PESTS*	Deer, rabbits, and rodents (mice, voles, gophers) are all mammal wildlife that can destroy cut flower production in home landscapes or farms. Damage may include feeding on above or below ground plant parts or plant trampling.	Larger mammal pests are best prevented through physical exclusion (i.e., fences). Rodent populations fluctuate season to season. Monitor for activity (e.g., burrows, feeding, etc.). Use lethal or nonlethal trapping mechanisms or bait stations with pelleted products labeled for controlling specific species.

Note. Most pests are general classifications, and research is ongoing for further classification.

References

Armitage, A., & Laushman, J. (2003). Specialty cut flowers (2nd ed.). Timber Press.

Blankenship, B. (2023). How to grow basket flower seeds. Rare Seeds.

Dole, J. (2017). Post harvest handling of cut flowers and greens. Timber Press.

Johnstone, G. (2023). How to grow basket flowers. The Spruce.

Maughan, T., Cardon, G., & Drost. D. (2016). Calculating fertilizer for small areas [Fact sheet]. USU Extension.

Seattle Wholesale Growers Market (SWGM). (2024). Floral standards. Seattle Wholesale Growers Market Cooperative.

Stock, M., Maughan, T., & Grossl, P. (2020). Urban garden soils: Testing and management [Fact sheet]. USU Extension.

Stock, M., Maughan, T., & Miller, R. (2019). Sustainable manure and compost application [Fact sheet]. USU Extension.

Utah Climate Center. (2024). Utah freeze dates.

Utah State University Analytical Laboratories (USUAL). (2023). Analytical Laboratories.

Volesky, N., Murray, M., & Stock, M. (2024). Pest management for Utah cut flower production: Insects and their relatives [Fact sheet]. USU Extension.

Disclaimers and Acknowledgments

Using original figures and tables without written permission from the authors is prohibited. This project was funded by the Western Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education, Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers, and USU Extension grants. The information reflects the views of the authors and not funding agency. The authors did not use generative AI in creating this content, and it is solely the work of the authors. This content should not be used for the purposes of training AI technologies without express permission from the authors.