GOSSYPIUM australe 1g

Gossypium australe is a shrub related to cotton with mauve Hibiscus-like flowers with 5 petals more deeply coloured at the base 5cm across.
Typically with an erect branching stem with leaves that have coarsely serrated margins.

Occurs naturally in the BRA Regions of Carnarvon, Central Kimberley, Central Ranges, Dampierland, Gibson Desert, Great Sandy Desert, Little Sandy Desert, Northern Kimberley, Ord Victoria Plain, Pilbara, Tanami and Victoria Bonaparte in Northern Western Australia extending in to the border regions of the Northern Territory.

Prefers a rich moist soil in a protected sunny position, drought and frost resistant.

Grow notes:

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn in temperate climates, avoiding the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-22°C

1. Soak in water overnight.
2. Sow seed 4mm deep in a porous seed raising mix.
3. Water with fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
4. Place in a warm shaded or semi-shaded position to avoid dying out.
5. Keep warm & moist, avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
6. Germination generally occurs in around 21-28 days in the right conditions.

General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they are discarded.