Xeranthemum (Immortelle) in Zone 4a & 4b
Xeranthemum annuum
When to plant xeranthemum (immortelle) in zone 4b
Zones 4a and 4b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Xeranthemum (Immortelle) tolerates either.
| Start indoors | Apr 3–Apr 10 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 15–May 22 |
| Estimated bloom | Aug 8–Aug 15 (~85 days after planting) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1.5-2 ft.

Xeranthemum, also called immortelle or paper flower, is a papery-petaled daisy relative that holds its color remarkably well once dried, which is the entire reason it's grown.
How xeranthemum (immortelle) fits zone 4's season
Zone 4b's frost-free window runs about 128 days, from May 15 to September 20. Xeranthemum (Immortelle) needs about 85 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Xeranthemum (Immortelle).
Where to buy xeranthemum seeds
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing xeranthemum (immortelle)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 4b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

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Growing Xeranthemum (Immortelle) in USDA zone 4b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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